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Des Moines Information

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 677

POPULATION.

The first official census of Des Moines was taken July 1, 1846. There were present thirty-one families and one hundred and twenty-seven persons. The following will show the rapid increase since that date:

The United States census which has just been taken shows that the city has advanced from the fifth in rank to first position since 1870; to-day exceeding in population, Dubuque 420, Davenport 800, Burlington 3,500, Keokuk 10,000. A marvelous change. Thirty-four years ago the locality was without a name and unknown on the map. To the hunter and the struggling emigrant and the pioneers it was called Raccoon Forks. So it was known in the government treaties with the Indians. Young men now just entering active business life were born here since the first organization of the town.

CHURCHES.
The church, school and newspaper started hand in hand with the beginning of the settlement of the town, and they have kept pace with the progress of the community, molding and establishing its character as one of the most enlightened, refined, and cultivated in the State.
As is usual in all new settlements in the West, the Methodist circuit rider first made his appearance. No records of the Methodist Church are in existence, and the compiler has been compelled to seek information from the first settlers.
The first sermon preached in Des Moines was in the fall of 1845, by Ezra Rathbun, on the funeral occasion of a child, a little daughter of Col. Grier, commandant of the Fort. This child was the first child born within the limits of the town, and its death was the first within the town. Its birth was in February, 1845. Mr. Rathbun deceased the present year.
In the fall of 1845 Rev. Russell, a missionary preacher, whose circuit embraced nearly the same territory as now constitutes the. Des Moines district, organized a Methodist class, consisting of Joseph Solenbarger, Sarah Solenbarger. Rev. Abner Rathbun, Betsy Rathbun, Rev. Ezra Rathbun, Jonathan Rathbun, W. H. Meacham and wife, Benjamin T. Hoxie. Mr. Solenbarger was elected class-leader. It is related of Mr. Russell that his outfit consisted of a pair of saddle-bags, one half of which would be filled with corn bread and bacon, the other with a clean, coarse shirt, and a well thumbed Bible. This class met at the house of members and in the courthouse, until 1848. January 5, 1848, the County Commissioners donated lot 3, block 21, on Fifth street, to the Methodist Church, on the terms as set forth, ante, page 505. A frame building was erected in 1848, which, in 1856, became too small to accommodate the growing body, and a new

678 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

structure was commenced, which has since been enlarged, but that, also, has become outgrown, and the present year the society , is erecting a magnificent structure on Pleasant street.
In 1855 Rev. E. M. H. Fleming began preaching on the East Side, in the Lyon school-house, and it is stated Mrs. A. Y. Hull was the only Methodist in the city on that side of the river. The first Saturday and Sunday in December of that year a class was formed of Thomas, Maria and Aquilla Hoffman. Mrs. A. Y: Hull, Jacob and Lavina Butts, G. C. and Mary J. Jeffries, Sarah N. Lyon, Samuel Kelley, B. Christman, Allen and Martha Spitzer. The building was known as Wesley Chapel; was begun and finished in 1857, and dedicated by Mr. Fleming. A parsonage was added in 1866. The Sunday-school dates from the dedication of the church. In 1863 an addition was made across the north end of. the building, which gives it a cruciform shape. Until 1864 this society belonged to the Iowa conference, but in that year, at the general conference in Philadelphia, the boundaries of that conference were changed, and the society became a part of the Des Moines Conference. Asbury Chapel swarmed out from Wesley Chapel in 1869, and is located in the extreme eastern part of the city. Its first preacher was J. W. Matheny.
In 1856 was organized the German Methodist Church on the East Side. Its house of worship is on East Locust, between First and Second.
In November, 1874, was organized the Swedish Methodist Church, by Rev. J. Sinn.
In 1868 the Fifth Street Methodist Church became overcrowded, and another society was organized, known as the Centenary. A building was erected on West Seventh street, near Center, together with a parsonage. The church was dedicated in 1868, with Rev. J. M. Bly as preacher.
In 1874 a Mission church was erected on East Fifth street, south of the railroads, to accommodate those not inclined to attend more fashionable churches. It is a small frame building, and was dedicated in the spring of 1874, by Rev. J. A. Stayt, of the Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. M. S. P. Hill, of the Presbyterian, Rev. Dr. J. R. Murphey, of the Baptist, and other clergymen of the city. It is under the care of the East Side Methodist churches.
In 1865 the colored people of the city, with the aid of citizens, generally, erected a brick church; on the 8th of May, 1866, a society was organized, and the church was dedicated as Burns Chapel. Rev. T. S. Wells was the first preacher, whose leading idiosyncrasy seemed to be a pertinacious propensity for prevarication. The church is under the control of the Des Moines Conference.
In 1856 the Germans organized a Methodist Church and erected a building on West Locust street, between Second and Third.
In 1856 a Methodist Protestant Church was organized with sixteen members, with Rev. Rhemsburg as preacher. We have been unable to gather any definite knowledge of its early history.
In, 1872 the African Methodist Church was organized, and a church dedicated on West Sycamore street, between Seventh and Eighth, with Rev. George Benson as the first pastor.
Rev. Thompson Bird, came to Des Moines in October, 1847, when it was known only as Raccoon Forks, as a missionary preacher, and his field was co-extensive with the State from its southern boundary as far north and east as Cedar Rapids. He was an earnest, self-sacrificing worker in the

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 679

cause of his Master, and probably organized more churches than any man who has lived in the State. He went forth "without money or scrip," often weary and hungry. But he always met a hearty welcome from the pioneers wherever he went, and a generous share of their hospitality. While engaged in his work abroad he also laid the foundation for a church organization at the Fort, and in June, 1848, it took shape, consisting of six women and one man. Meetings were held during the warm season in one of the barrack buildings, but on the approach of the inclement season they were held at private houses. When the court-house was ready for use, the church held its meetings there. During this time Mr. Bird was gathering the means and materials for a church home of their own. A lot was purchased on West Fourth adjoining that on the south where Mills & Co.'s building now stands. A building committee of R. W. Sypher, Barlow Granger, J. E. Jewett, J. D. Davis, and Mr. Bird was appointed, but the burden of the labor fell upon the pastor. For six years he toiled gathering a little here and there. There was very little money, and the people were poor. His own salary was a mere pittance, but of that he freely, gave, while his estimable wife gave her aid to his good works by teaching school. After six years of labor the building was but half completed, but in June, 1855 it was finished so it could be occupied and it was dedicated in that month. A bell was needed, but the means to procure it were not easily obtained. Mr. Bird, resorted to a clever device. He had been an enthusiastic collector of autographs of prominent men of the country. These he offered to sell to Rev. Dr. Sprague of Albany, N. Y., if he would provide a bell for the church. The proffer was accepted; the bell came, and the autograph letters passed to Dr. Sprague. The bell proved one of the sweetest in tone that has rung a peal in the city. On the night of Nov. 1, 1867, the church was burned and the bell was reduced to molten metal. For twenty years Father Bird, as he was reverently called by everybody who knew him, was the beloved pastor of this church, until a stroke of paralysis prevented his further labor (gradually his physical powers gave way, and as the parting rays of the setting sun faded into the lovely twilight, on the 4th of January, 1866, he passed to his eternal rest. By judicious early investments of small savings in real estate within the city, he left his wife and three children considerable wealth.
Prior to this event the society had outgrown the capacity of the old edifice and a lot had been selected on the corner of Eighth and High, which is now known as the Central Presbyterian Church, the corner-stone of which was laid with imposing ceremony, Sept. 4th, 1867. Although the oldest in fact, Mr. Bird's church was the second in organization. Its faith was the so-called New School Presbyterian.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized in June, 1848, as the Presbyterian Church of Fort Des Moines, by Rev. Samuel Cowles. The first meeting was held in a log building on the East Side, owned by John Dean, and formerly occupied as a trader's cabin. There were thirteen persons resent. Mr. Cowes was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Swan, in 1851; Rev. J. M. Lippencott, in 1853. Nov. 28,1854, the society became an incorporated body under the laws of the State, with W. H. Leas, Moses Sheetz and Abraliam Dean as trustees, when the preliminary steps were taken to erect a house of worship. A lot was purchased on West Locust street, between Seventh and Eighth. In 1856 Rev. R. T. Drake was installed as the first settled pastor of the church, Oct. 6, and in that year the church build-

680 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

ing was completed and dedicated. Mr. Drake resigned. and the church was without a settled pastor until June, 1865, when Rev. D. L. Hughes was installed, but owing to impaired health he was compelled to resign the following year. In 1874 the disjunctive distinction, which separated the two schools of the church, having become obliterated, the two societies in the city were united, and the building on Locust street was sold to the Christian Church in 1875.
January 30, 1864, the Third Presbyterian Church was organized with twenty members and Rev. J. M. Phillips pastor. Its church edifice is on West Sycamore near Eighth.
October 15, 1858, was organized the United Presbyterian Church on the East Side, with Rev. J. H. Young pastor. Soon after a church edifice was erected on East Second street between Walnut and Court Avenue.
Among the early settlers was a small band of Baptists, who, on the nineteenth of Nov., met at the residence of J. M. Reichenecker, to devise ways and means to perfect a church organization. A committee, composed of Wm. McKay, G. Berkley and Mr. Reichenecker, was appointed to secure a pastor. While the negotiations were pending, Rev. John A. Nash came to Iowa on mission work, and reached Des Moines January 3, 1857. He was warmly greeted by the few Baptist people here, at a small wooden building which stood where Reed's leather store now stands on Walnut street. On the following Sabbath evening Mr. Nash preached his first sermon on the special invitation of Father Bird.
February 18, 1851, a meeting was held at the court-house and the First Baptist Church was organized as follows: J. A. Nash, Christiana Nash, J. M. and Harriet Reichenecker, John Hays, Wm. McKay, Henry and Huldah Everley, Arozina Perkins, Margaret Luse, Mary Marvin, Sarah Saylor, Granville Berkley, Thomas Roberts and Charles McKay. Mr. Nash was elected pastor at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, of which the church paid fifty dollars. Efforts were at once made to secure a meetinghouse. The County Commissioners donated a lot, as has already been stated on page 506, but beset by the same difficulties which did Father Bird, the building was not erected, in accordance with the terms of. the donation. To prevent its reversion to the county Judge McKay paid for the lot which was subsequently exchanged for one on Mulberry street opposite the court-house, which is now used as a blacksmith shop. For six years Mr. Nash toiled to complete the meeting-house. He hauled material and worked with his hands, and after severe struggles and many disappointments it was completed and dedicated March 16, 1856. In 1866 the membership had increased beyond the capacity of the meeting-house, and plans were perfected for the erection of the present house, on the corner of West Locust and Eighth. Mr. Nash resigned his pastorate in 1865.
In 1871, from the First Church went out the members residing on the East side, organized a Church and erected a meeting-house in 1875, at the corner of Des Moines street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Rev. Granger Smith was the first pastor.
In 1855 was organized St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Dr. E. W. Peet as rector, who was also a missionary of the Episcopal Association for the West. Meetings were held whenever a place could be found, until in the fall of 1856. A lot was donated by Mr. E. Hall, on West Seventh, between Walnut and Locust streets, and a chapel erected in 1856. The first vestry was composed of Hoyt Sherman, Byron Rice, D. O. Finch, Mad-

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 681

ison Young, Samuel Case, Wm. F. Avers, John D. McCall and J. W. Morris.
In 1855 Thomas G. Given conveyed to Bishop Matthias Loras, of Dubuque, two lots on West Sixth street between Walnut and Locust streets, on which it was intended to build a church. In 1856 a small frame building was erected, Rev. G. A. Plathe being stationed here in charge. In 1858 additions were made to it to meet the increase of the congregation. In 1860 Mr. Plathe died and was succeeded by Rev. John F. Brazil. On the last day of March, 1863, was begun the present church edifice, which was completed in the fall of 1864, and dedicated as St. Ambrose church. From the small number of four communicants in 1858 they have increased to over two thousand.
In 1871 was laid the corner stone of St. Mary's Catholic Church on West Third street, between Center and Crocker, with very imposing ceremonies. Its communicants are principally Germans. Rev. N. Sassel has been its pastor from its organization.
December 6,1857, Plymouth Congregational Church was organized with Rev. Joseph T. Cook as pastor, and was incorporated July 11, 1859. Its first place of worship was erected on Court Avenue, and subsequently removed to West Locust street, near Sixth. Various additions to it were made until 1876, when the present magnificent edifice was erected on the. corner of Locust and Seventh, and the old building was demolished.
In 1856 the nucleus of what subsequently became the English-Lutheran Church, was formed. Meetings were held in the old Third Ward schoolhouse, corner of West Locust and Ninth streets. It was not until May, 1865, a permanent organization was perfected by Rev. Morris Officer, Superintendent of Home Missions. In November, of that year, Rev. A. M. Geiger was called as pastor, and the church was established with twenty two members. In 1867, a church edifice was erected on the corner of West Sycamore and Seventh streets, which was dedicated January 3, 1869.
In 1858 Rev. John List emigrated to Des Moines, and finding here a sufficient German population to organize a church, went back to get permission of the church authorities for that purpose, and returned in 1859. He found, however, that many of his people were members of secret societies, which positively precluded them from a membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, so that his congregation when organized, November 16, 1859, consisted of only four wives with their children, four widows and eight single persons. Meetings were held in a building on Walnut street, opposite Ensign's livery stable, but soon after a church was erected on West Locust, between First and Second streets. The church is also used as a school for the children.
In 1870 a Swedish Lutheran Mission was established on the East Side. The same year a church was organized and a house of worship erected, corner of East Second and Des Moines streets, with Rev. John Peterson pastor.
In 1871 the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized on the East Side, with Rev. John Telleen pastor, and a church edifice erected, corner of East Sycamore and First streets. During the present year the meeting of the Synod of North America of this denomination was held within this church.
In 1856 the first Christian Church was organized by Elder N. Summer.

682 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

bell. Its meetings were held in the old Third Ward school-house, corner of West Ninth and Locust streets, for some time until a small building was erected for their use, on West Sycamore, between Seventh and Eighth streets.
September 23, 1860, was organized the Church of Christ, with twenty, members. Elder P. T. Russell had previously preached to these people, but the church was organized with B. F. Snook as pastor. Its meetings were held in the old brick building now standing near the east end of the Keokuk & Des Moines railroad bridge. Subsequently a chapel was built on the site of the first court-house, on Cherry street, which was sold in 1875, and the First Presbyterian Church edifice purchased on West Locust.
In 1869 was organized the United Brethren Church, and a place of worship erected on Maple, between Tenth and Eleventh, East Side.
In 1868 the first Universalist Church was organized, with Rev. W. W. King pastor. Its first meetings were held in Moore's Opera House, until a church edifice was erected on the corner of West Sixth and Cherry streets. This building was removed to Ninth street in 1879, and is occupied by the Temperance Reform Club.
In 1868 was organized a Society of Friends, which is now in existence, comparatively weak.
In September, 1873, was organized the first Hebrew Church, under the name of Be Nai Ya Shuron, with L. Samish as rabbi. Their synagogue is on Mulberry street, West Side.
In May, 1876, a Hebrew Synagogue was organized on the East Side, known as The Children of Israelites, with David Cohen as rabbi.
In 1878 the first Unitarian Church was organized, with J. R. Effinger as pastor. Its meetings were held in Union Block, West Locust street, between Fifth and Sixth.

SCHOOLS.

The proud position occupied to-day by the city of Des Moines in intelligence, refinement and good order, is directly traceable to the foundation laid by the pioneer settlers. The common school, the Sunday-school and church followed the retreat of the Indians. The soldiers' barrack buildings were used for these purposes. For two years the schools were maintained by private enterprise of the citizens. The county records show that a Miss Davis taught school in the town during the summer of 1846, in room No. 26, which was the number of the barrack building she occupied, the buildings having been numbered to facilitate their sale, as ordered by the Commissioners. This was, doubtless the first school taught in the township. The following winter a school was taught by Lewis Whitten, who was also the county agent for the sale of town lots. In the summer of 1847 a school was taught by R. L. Tidrick, who is still a resident of the city. He was succeeded by Mr. Davis, who taught during the winter. The following summer A. J. Stevens, subsequently a wealthy banker, taught for three months.
The first school district was organized in 1849. The following is the record entry of the first meeting for that purpose:
"Agreeable to a previous notice of the School Fund Commissioner of Polk county, the citizens of Fort Des Moines met in the Methodist Church in said place, on the 8th day of September, for the purpose of organizing a

Note: 683 is a drawing

684 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

school district, to be known as School District No. 5, of Des Moines township. The meeting was organized by appointing Benjamin Saylor, chairman, and Thompson Bird, secretary. The meeting, on motion, proceeded to vote for officers of the district, as required by law, to wit: One president, a secretary, and treasurer. On the first ballot, Benjamin Saylor was elected president, Andrew J. Stevens was declared to be elected secretary, and Thompson Bird treasurer. There being no further business before the house, the meeting adjourned to meet again on the first Monday of October next.

"Fort Des Moines, Sept. 8th, 1849."
"THOMPSON BIRD, Secretary.
"FORT DES MOINES, OCT. 1ST, 1849.
"Pursuant to a notice published in the Iowa Star, dated September 19, 1849, the qualified electors of Fort Des Moines assembled in the Methodist church and proceeded to organize by the president of the district taking the chair. The meeting being but poorly attended, on motion, the meeting adjourned to assemble again in the evening, at the office of Lewis Whitten, Esq., at 7 o'clock, 
P. M.
"ANDREW J. STEVENS, Secretary."
" 7 O'CLOCK P. M., OCT. 1, 1849.
" The president in the chair. On motion the meeting proceeded to business by voting to have two schools in the district the coming winter, and ordered by the house the directors rent suitable buildings for the said school. On motion of Lewis Jones, it was resolved that a tax of one and one-half per cent be levied on the taxable property of the school district for school purposes. On motion of Samuel Gray, the meeting adjourned.
"ANDREW J. STEVENS, Secretary."
"FORT DES MOINES, 4 O'CLOCK, P. M.
May 8th. 1850. The adjourned meeting of May the 6th,1850, met pursuant to adjournment. Present, Benjamin Saylor, president, Thompson Bird, treasurer, and Madison Young, secretary.
"The meeting was called to order by the president.
"On motion, the electors present proceeded to vote by ballot whether, they would levy a tax or not upon the taxable property in school district No. five, Des Moines township. One vote was given for a tax and seventeen votes were given for no tax. Whereupon, it was declared that there should be no tax raised for the purpose of renting, hiring, building or buying a school-house, at this time, in school district No. 5, Des Moines township, Polk county, State of Iowa.
"The meeting then adjourned (sine die).

"Fort Des Moines, May 8th, 1850."
"MADISON YOUNG, Secretary.
The records show that Byron Rice, afterward County Judge, was the first teacher. The school fund was about sixty dollars. An additional allowance of two dollars and a half was made per pupil, for twelve weeks, from November 19, 1849. The school was opened in the Methodist church, but in January was removed to the court-house which had been enclosed, but without doors or plaster: The records show alternate resolutions to

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 685

build a school-house, and not to build until the spring of 1851, when it was decided finally to purchase the lots and erect a building.
"November 25, 1850, the directors held a meeting of which the record is as follows:
"The object of the meeting as stated by the president and treasurer was to examine Charles L. Anderson, and see if said Anderson was qualified to teach said school.
"William W. Jones stated that he wished Lewis Whitten to act for him and in his place, to which Mr. Whitten consented, the president and secretary consented and agreed that said Whitten should act as examiner in place of Wm. W. Jones, treasurer. Said Jones then left the examination and the said Lewis Whitten, and Madison Young, secretary, proceeded with the examination of Charles L. Anderson. It was ordered by the president and secretary as directors of said school district, that Byron Rice examine said Charles S. Anderson as to his qualifications in arithmetic. Byron Rice examined said Anderson in arithmetic, after which Samuel Gray and William W. Jones presented to the secretary a certificate and requested the secretary to record it. The following is a true copy of it, viz:
"I The undersigned board of director of school district No. 5, Des Moines township, in Polk county, and State of Iowa, have this day examined Charles L. Anderson Esc., a school teacher, employed by them, and find him well qualified in point of talent and learning to teach school in said district.
SAMUEL GRAY,
" WM. W. JONES,
"Directors.
" Fort Des Moines, November 25, 1850.'

"The secretary will further state that Lewis Whitten, acting as examiner in place of Wm. W. Jones, treasurer, come to the conclusion that Charles L. Anderson, teacher as aforesaid, was incompetent to teach school in point of learning and ability, but made no written report upon the subject.
"Byron Rice, examiner in arithmetic, asked Charles L. Anderson, teacher, as aforesaid, why he multiplied the numerators together and the denominators together in multiplication of vulgar fractions ? Mr. Anderson was unable to tell. Mr. Rice further asked Mr. Anderson why he inverted the divisor in division of vulgar fractions ? Mr. Anderson was unable to tell. Mr. Rice gave Mr. Anderson some sums to do in complex fractions. Mr. Anderson remarked that they were of no earthly use or practical benefit, and if scholars should bring arithmetics to his school that had complex fractions in he should order them to tear said fractions out of their books.
" Byron Rice Esq. refused to make any report either verbal or written, whether Charles L. Anderson was qualified to teach arithmetic or not.
"Madison Young, secretary, examined Charles L. Anderson in reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic and English grammar, and came to the conclusion that Charles L. Anderson did not possess sufficient knowledge of reading, arithmetic and English grammar to teach the same, and was incompetent to teach a public school. .

"MADISON YOUNG, Secretary.
"November 25, 1850."

686 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

It appears Mr. Anderson taught the school for, under date of March 24, it was ordered by the directors that C. L. Anderson be paid twenty-four dollars for teaching school. Whether or not he emasculated the text-books of complex fractions the records do not show.
The first Monday in May, 1850, Mrs. Bird opened a female school in the new building on the corner of Second and Locust. This is the building referred to in the Gazette of February 22, 1850. Referring to improvements, it says: " In the north part of town the workmen are getting out timber for a female seminary. In the west end of town the foundation of the new Presbyterian church is laid." That female seminary is now occupied as a cooper shop, and is opposite the West Side fire-engine house. The Presbyterian church stood on the lot south adjoining Mills & Co.'s building, and the two points were the ends of the town.
In 1851 one-half acre was purchased on the corner of Locust and Ninth streets for a school-house site, where Mr. Getchell's residence now is, and a two-story building was erected in 1855, costing about eleven thousand dollars, which subsequently was used as the Third Ward school building, until 1869, when it and the lot was sold and another lot purchased and a new building was erected the following year on Pleasant street. With the erection of this building in 1859 was inaugurated the public school system which to-day has become the pride and glory of the capital city.
In the fall of 1853 Rev. J. A. Nash and his wife opened a select school of high grade, which was known as Forest Home Seminary, which was continued about eight years. It was located in what is now Callanan's addition to the city on Ninth street, and was a beautiful spot, for many years occupied as a residence by James Callanan. Justice as an historian requires the statement, though made against the protest of Mrs. Bird, that to her noble efforts and true womanly character, aided by Mr. Nash and his wife, belongs very much of the credit for laying the foundation of that high moral sentiment, that full appreciation of school privileges which obtains to day. No tax has ever been evaded nor denied by the people of the city which would advance the public school facilities, and the magnificent structures which adorn the city are monuments of excessive liberality and love of education.
In 1858 there was an entire change in the school system of the State, the whole being changed to the Department of Public Instruction, with a State Superintendent as an official head. The records of the schools of Des Moines from November, 1857, to November, 1867, cannot be found, and are probably in the hands of some negligent borrowers, so that we cannot give the date of the organization of the city as an independent district. The city at present comprises two districts; one on either side of the Des Moines river. It was during this decade that the whole school system of the State was changed.
Originally the school-houses on the West Side were distinguished by the Wards, but in 1879 the schools were given a definite name by order of the directors. The First Ward was named Washington; the Second Ward Lincoln; Third Ward Irving; Fourth Ward Crocker; and Cottage Grove, the Hawthorne.
The Lincoln school-house was erected in 1867; the Irvin in 1870; the Crocker in 1875; the Washington in 1874. The present Crocker school building was erected on the site near the second school building erected on

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 687

the West Side, which became dilapidated and unfit for use, and was torn down in 1874.
The annual report of the school directors of the West Side schools for 1878, shows the value of school property to be:

In 1850, the first enumeration showed 203 scholars in Des Moines township The returns for 1879 show there were on the West Side 3,570, and on the East Side 2,234, or a total of 6,804, an increase of 226 each year since 1850. There are forty teachers employed on the West Side, and twenty-eight on the East Side. It is a coincidence that the pupils on the East Side are equally mated, while on the West Side the boys outnumber the girls 268.
The cost of the West Side schools for the year 1879 was $41,865.68, the estimated expense for 1880 is $46,878, of which $27,000 is for teachers. The resources of the district are $50,774.21. School buildings 4, rooms 38; seating capacity 2,150.
In 1865 St. Ambrose School was opened under the care and direction of the Catholic Church, on Sixth street, in the house of worship, with Sister Mary Michael as preceptress. The rapid increase of population necessitated increased facilities, and in 1872 a commodious brick edifice, three stories in height, costing $21,800, was completed, and is now filled to its fall capacity of 481 pupils. Most excellent schools are maintained, and the standard of education is equal to any in the city, and the school is a noble monument to the fostering care, and nobility of character of Rev. Father John F. Brazil. The old frame building was demolished in 1872.
In 1866 the Iowa Law School was established, with Judges Dillon, Cole and Wright, then on the Supreme Bench, as professors. In 1868 it was removed to Iowa City, and became what is now the Law Department of the State University. The first graduates of this school were Thomas S. Wright, Melville C. Wright, Benjamin F. Kauffman, L. F. Andrews, Joseph Lyman, Edgar T. Ensign, I. Woodford, S. S. Ethridge, G. L. Godfrey, G. J. Peet, M. J. Sharman, and Z. F. Bailey.
In November, 1865, was established the Iowa Business College by J. W. Muffly and C. B. Worthington, as one of the chain of Worthington's Colleges. In 1867 it passed into the control of Mr. Muffly; in 1872 to J. Shrock; in 1874 to Jennings & Ward; in 1875 to A. C. Jennings.
In 1868 was started the German-American School in the old Baptist church on Mulberry Street. Subsequently a lot was purchased and a building erected, on Eighth street, at a cost of $7,000. The school is under the management of an incorporate association.
In 1871 St. Mary's German-Catholic School was opened, with three sisters of St. Francis as teachers, from the convent at La Crosse, Wisconsin, under the general direction of Father A. N. Sassel. All the branches of the public schools are taught therein in the English and German languages, and the standard of excellence is of high order.

688 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

In May, 1855, the conference of the Lutheran Church decided to locate and establish a denominational school at or near Des Moines, to be known as Iowa Central College. A board of trustees was elected, of whom F. R. West was president; J. G. Shaffer , secretary; and R. W. Sypher, treasurer. A site was selected and purchased. The school was started in a rented building in town, but was soon after suspended. In 1856 was laid the corner-stone of the college edifice and that year the walls were completed, and the next year the roof was added when work was suspended for want of funds. In 1865 the property was transferred to the Baptist denomination, and work was resumed to complete the building. In April, 1866, was begun the first term of the University of Des Moines, which has since grown to be an institution of prominence in the State. It is located in one of the loveliest spots to be found in the West.
In 1875 a Law Department of Simpson Centenary College was established at Des Moines, known as Iowa Law College, with Rev. Alexander Burns as president, and Hon. C. C. Cole, Hon. Wm. E. Miller, J. B. Bissell, J. S. Runnels, Hon. Galusha A. Parsons and P. N. Bowman as professors.
In. the fall of 1879 a beginning was made for the establishment of a school for the higher education of girls and the preparation of boys for college. During the present year the original plan has culminated in Callanan College, so called in Honor of James Callanan who secured the object sought, by his liberal donations. The beautiful property of J. B. Stewart, on Pleasant street was purchased and elegant buildings are being erected which will accommodate 250 pupils. It is more specially designed as a boarding school for young ladies, of the highest order of excellence. The president is Rev. C. R. Pomeroy, D. D., assisted by an able corps of professors.
The first board of trustees consists of James Callanan, Samuel Merrill, J. J. Williams, C. C. Nourse, C. H. Rawson, J. S. Polk, J. S. Clarkson, C. H. Gatch, J. N. Dewey, C. H. Getchell, J. Ankeny, John Wyman, Wesley Redhead. The following are the officers of the board: James Callanan, president; J. N. Dewey, vice-president; J. J. Williams, secretary; Samuel Merrill, treasurer.
The East Side schools were organized in the spring of 1858, and for some time were held in rented rooms. The first school-house was built by a few public-spirited citizens, consisting of Judge M. D. McHenry, Homer Lyon, M. L. Devin, G. W. Connor, Alexander Shaw, S. Goodell, and I. Brandt. The building was located on lot twelve, block three, of H. Lyon's Addition.
The first school board consisted of James L. Scott, Dr. T. K. Brooks, and---------.
A. D. McHenry was elected treasurer and Dr. Alex. Shaw, secretary. The schools were designated by wards until 1879, when they were given definite names, as on the West Side. They are located as follows:
Bryant School, corner of Sycamore street and Pennsylvania Avenue. This building was erected in 1866, at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars, and will accommodate some six hundred pupils. It has four primary, four intermediate, and two grammar departments.
Webster School, corner of East Twelfth and Lyon streets, was built in 1877, at an expense of forty thousand dollars, and has a seating capacity for seven hundred pupils.

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Lucas School, corner of Sixteenth and Locust streets, cost six thousand dollars, and provides school privileges for two hundred and fifty.
Curtis School, corner of Sixth and Raccoon streets, furnishes accommodations for two hundred and fifty, and cost six thousand dollars.
Burns School is near the packing-houses, and is held in a room rented for that purpose.
We are unable to give a complete record of the East Side schools because the records cannot be found.

NEWSPAPERS.

Simultaneous with the church and school the printing press was set up in Des Moines, thus completing the means of laying the foundation for a progressive, intelligent people. Late in the year 1848 a prospectus was issued by a gentleman named Blair, who announced his intention to establish a newspaper at the "Fort." It was to be Democratic in politics, the majority of politics at that time being of that kind, and to be christened The Star. The material was ordered, but next spring Mr. Blair was carried off by a sudden and severe attack of California fever, leaving Barlow Granger to carry out his enterprise. But the whole project failed. The next winter Judge Curtis Bates furnished the money, and Mr. Granger purchased an outfit at Iowa City, and Jonathan Rathbun and Charles Winkley were employed to transport it to the Fort. With much difficulty the material arrived, and the first paper appeared June 26th, 1849, with Barlow Granger & Co. as publishers. The first paper printed was taken by Lewis Jones. The first money received was from Thomas Mitchell, a Free Soil Whig. The office was located in one of the barrack buildings, near 'Coon Point. The event was a notable one in the little hamlet. Barlow, as he was familiarly called, being exceedingly popular and active in various enterprises of the day, whether of business, law, or politics, his pioneer paper received the hearty support of every citizen, on paper. Politics were high. The Wilmot Proviso and Tom Benton were before the people. Barlow went in for Benton. But his little Star twinkled out in August, the teamster having been floored with the "shakes" while en route from Keokuk with paper.
There was no occupation for a local reporter in those days. Everybody knew each other's business and what was going on. News from abroad was received at long intervals. Advertisements of that day show that stages run from the Fort to Keokuk three times a week, but if they got through once a week they did well. Stages were also advertised from the Fort to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs.
Martin Tucker, who signed his name with an X, until he gained the title of Martin X Tucker, advertised his hotel as " having run an avenue through it, and having put up a condition to it, he would be able to detain the public in a more hostile manner. Also Stabling at Right Angles for quantity, and abundance of provender for horses, and plenty to eat," which pronunciamento called out a rejoinder from a hotel-keeper down at Avon, who declared he would beat Martin X Tucker, "who treated his guests in a hostile manner and put a condition to his house."
At the end of a year Mr. Granger retired, satisfied with his hebdomadal glory and resumed the practice of law, February 22, 1850. The paper passed into the possession of Judge Curtis Bates, who associated with him Luther Johnson of Iowa City, who, in May, died from small pox. In

690 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

August, 1851, Dr. A. Y. Hull, a wide-awake, business, bustling speculative gentleman, joined Mr. Bates, and remained with the paper until May, 1851, when he retired. In June, 1854, Judge Bates was nominated for governor on the Democratic ticket (he died in 1879), and as that would necessitate field work, Dan. O. Finch became associate editor. Dan. was in his heyday of life, alert, energetic, and a politician of no mean pretensions. The Star dropped out of sight and under the new regime, the title was, changed to Argus. Newspaper editing was not Dan's forte, and he retired the paper going into the hands of Tomlinson & Farner, .who re-christened it as the Statesman. In, February, 1857 its name was again changed, to Iowa State Journal, and Will Porter, Robert Hedge and H. C. Rippey were editors and publishers. In 1858 it passed to Stilson Hutchins and Geo. M. Todd, who re-christened it The Iowa Statesman, and waged war against abolitionists and Republicans. The name was changed to the Des Moines Times, but .it turned up its toes after an ephemeral existence, in the summer of 1860. Prior to the decease of the Times, Mr. Hutchins went to St. Louis and started the St. Louis Times. In 1860 A. J. Stevens and W. H. Hoxie started an independent paper which they named the Commonwealth. The following year the paper was sold to J. B. Bausman and S. W. Russell, the venerable "Esquire," who is still working at the case with Mills & Co. In 1862 Col. W. H. Merritt purchased the material of the Times and also of the Commonwealth. which had also suspended, and revived the Democratic paper and called it the Statesman. Three years after Col. Merritt disposed of the paper to Staub & Jenkins, who soon after transferred it to G. W. Snow, who died Sept. 20, 1870. Up to this time the paper had eked out a precarious existence. In 1870 the material of the office passed to Barnhart Bros. and W. W. Witmer, who changed the title to State Leader, which in 1872 passed to the control of Mr. Witmer. In 1875 a stock company was formed of which Mr. Witmer was made president and general manager. Since then he has been in control of the paper, its editor and manager; a portion of the stock being held by other prominent Democrats in Des Moines. It is issued as an eight-column folio, daily, and ten page, six columns to page, weekly both editions having a general circulation throughout the State, and the business of the office is in a prosperous condition, keeping pace with the growth of the city. The editorial staff consists of H. J. Philpot, associate editor; Charles H. Painter, city editor; George F. McCracken, reporter. Thus it will be seen the Leader was the direct lineal political descendant of the Star, though its genealogical thread was slightly disjointed in 1860.
Soon after the Star began to shine, the Whigs set about to eclipse it with an organ of their own. L. P. Sherman, brother of Hoyt, Gen. William Tecumseh, John and Charles, was induced to remove hither. He had been employed in the. Cincinnati Gazette office where he was twelve years. He was an excellent printer and possessed the ability to make, a good paper. He brought with him the entire outfit for the enterprise which was placed in one of the barrack buildings opposite the Star office, which was in the second story of. a building next to Given's plow factory, corner of Third and Market. Mr. Sherman, familiarly known as "Lamp," named his paper the Fort Des Moines Gazette. The first number was issued Jan. 1, 1850. It was a seven-column sheet and shows the typographical skill and taste of a good printer. Lamp says they got along very well except when, the snow flew, then it would blow through the cracks of the

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 691

log walls and fill the type cases with snow and freeze up the ink and presses. By setting kettles of live coals about under the press they managed to keep it thawed out so as to get out the paper. But over at the Star office they preferred to sit around grocery fires and swap yarns to keeping their own office running, and when publication day came they would. come over and borrow the Gazette forms, take off the heading, put on that of the ,Star, and print their paper. Lamp entered into his work with energy, and poured hot shot into the camp of the Locofocos, as he styled the Democrats, with great briskness. After working six months, paying expenses without recompense, Lamp concluded he must have help. A citizens' meeting was called, at which it was agreed to assume one-half the liabilities of the office and furnish an assistant editor and outside business man. The assistant editor was Judge W. W. Williamson; the business man was Peter Myers, and Feb. 28, 1851, the name of the paper was changed to the Iowa State Journal, Peter Myers & Co. publishers. Aug. 26, 1852, when Winfield Scott was running for President, the paper petered out, and Lamp retired permanently from the newspaper business.
The Star was alone in its effulgent glory until February, 1856, when Thomas H. Shepherd and A. J. Stephens, a banker, started a paper named the Iowa Citizen. In February, of the next year, Mr. Shepherd retired, and was succeeded by W. H. Farner, who had politically flopped over to the Free Soilers, and J. M. Dixon, the well-known now " blind editor," was associated with him. In August of that year the paper passed into the control of James C. Savery, and Mr. Farner retired, leaving Mr. Dixon sole editor, until December 7. John Teesdale purchased the establishment, and Mr. Dixon was retained as associate editor. February 15, 1860, the name of the paper was changed to Iowa State Register, and May 8th of that year Mr. Teesdale published his valedictory, and was succeeded by Frank W. Palmer. Two years later, January 13, 1862, the first number of the daily was issued. In 1866 Mr. Palmer sold the paper to Mills & Co., who retained Palmer and Dixon as editors. The latter, however, became blind, and was compelled to vacate his chair at the old round table, which he had occupied with much ability for eleven years. December 6th,1870, the paper passed into the possession of R. P. and J. S.Clarkson (" Ret") , who have since controlled it and made it one of the leading papers of the West. Its staff is " Ret," editor in chief, D. C. O'Reagan, night editor, A. R. Kimball, city editor, R. P. Clarkson, business manager.
Marvelous in comparison are copies of the Gazette of January 1. 1850, and the State Register of to-day. Then mails were few and far between. News from Washington forty days on the way. Four columns made up the compliment of advertisements, paid for in truck and dicker, and gutta percha promises, never fulfilled. Railroads and telegraph were in the far off future. To-day the Register reflects the news from the ends of the earth. Its broad pages and long columns furnish news and miscellany each day equal to a book of large size. Thirty compositors are busy putting in type the daily news of the busy, bustling world. The old hand press of 1850, with its capacity of 240 sheets an hour, is superseded by a Hoe double cylinder, throwing off six thousand sheets each hour, and sixty-five persons complete the working force of the establishment. The Clarkson boys are evidently to 'the manner" born. By close application, push and pluck, they have advanced their business to extensive and profitable proportions, complete in all its departments.

692 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

March 11, 1869, R. G. Orwig established the Bulletin as a daily and weekly. It was Republican in politics, pungent, lively, and smart. In 1870 it was sold to Mills & Co.
December 31, 1870, the Review was started as an hebdomadal sheet, by Stewart, Waterman & Speed.
In 1872 a corporation was formed, with George W. Edwards, president, George A. Stewart, secretary, known as the Republican Printing Company, and May 18th of that year the Review was sold to this company and the Daily Republican started. In January, 1873, a new corporation, known as the State Printing Company, was formed for the purpose of printing auxiliary or "patent insides" for other papers throughout the State. In October, 1873, the Republican passed into the control of this company, and the title of the paper was changed to the State Journal. In April, 1874, the paper passed into the hands of G. W. Edwards, and on October 25th, of the same year, it was sold to J. E. Williams, John G. Blair, and R. G. Pierson, who continued the daily until October 23, 1875, when it was suspended. August 10th, following, the paper passed into the hands of Mr. Blair, who has since continued its weekly issue.
In September, 1876, The People was started, J. F. Thompson, editor, as the advocate of Peter Cooper for President. It was issued as a daily several months, and in 1879, turned up its toes, a victim of many vicissitudes, in which the redoubtable Porte C. Welch took a losing hand, and was succeeded by the State Tribune, December 17, 1879, a weekly paper started by a stock company as the organ of the Greenback party, with P. P. Ingalls as editor.
In the winter of 1858-9 Wm. Duane Wilson removed the Iowa Farmer, a monthly publication, from Mt. Pleasant to Des Moines, and changed it to a weekly. A few months after it was sold to Hiram Torrey, who changed the name to Pioneer Farmer, and in a few months it was again sold to Simmons, who soon tired of paying expenses without income, and sold to Mark Miller, the veteran pomologist, at that time the Western editor of Downing's Agriculturalist. Mr. Miller changed the title to the Iowa Homestead, and soon after sold to H. W. Pettitt, a versatile genius, who made it an attractive sheet. He died in 1866, when the paper passed into the possession of Mills & Co., who soon after sold to Mr. Wilson, and he again became the possessor. In September, 1873, it was purchased by Dr. George W. Sprague, who changed the title to Homestead and Western Farm Journal, who conducted it until July of the present year, when it was sold to Ex-Lieutenant-Governor B. F. Gue.
In January, 1866, W. S. Peterson removed the Temperance Platform from Dubuque to Des Moines. It was a weekly issue, devoted to total abstinence and prohibition. In 1868 it was sold to the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, and the title changed to Temperance Standard, with S. M. Holt, W. H. Fleming, editors. The next year it was sold to Mr. Holt and removed to Marshalltown.
In 1875 the Iowa State Record was started by Fuller, Heartwell & Orwig, as a weekly paper, " to supply a long-felt need," which, in a few months, joined the innumerable caravan of disappointed hopes and unrealized expectations. The material was sold to the State Journal office. The press was a notable one, as being the identical press set up by Hon. Schuyler Colfax for his South Bend Register, and was the first set up in that city. It is in good condition to-day.

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October 7, 1871, Conrad Beck started a German paper entitled the Staats Anzeiger, which February 14,1874, was sold to Col. Joseph Eiboeck, a genial and talented gentleman, who is now its editor.
In 1870 H. M. Bisbard started Plain Talk, a small weekly paper on the East Side, devoted to local news of that locality. The paper is still continued.
In January, 1872, T. G. Orwig established the Industrial Motor, a small weekly issue, devoted especially to mechanics, new inventions and patent rights.
In July, 1872, H. S. Hyatt removed to Des Moines the Iowa Progress, devoted to the resources and industries of the State, which at the end of one year was removed to St. Louis.
In May, 1875, to combat the prohibition element then prevailing in polities, the Herald of Liberty was started by Col. Eiboeck, which after a few months was suspended and January 21, 1880, was followed by the State Independent, as the organ of individual liberty in thought and action.
July 16, 1874, the Patron's Helper made its appearance as the organ of the Patrons of Husbandry, or Grangers, so facetiously called, N. W. Garretson, publisher. In November of that year it was sold to George W. Jones, and was discontinued in 1877.
September 18, 1879, appeared the first number of the Mail Car, a sprightly weekly paper, devoted to society news, light gossip and miscellany, with H. R. Persinger, publisher.
February 14, 1880, Perry Perkins established the Prohibitionist as the advocate of doctrines indicated in its title, and to avert the keen lance thrusts of Col. Eiboeek's Independent.
This completes the history of such newspapers as have had sufficient existence to give them a name and place in history. Perhaps the quaint and humorous Tac Hussey will consider this a condign consignment of his spicy New Broom, which swept cobwebs from the dull and prosy brain for nearly two years from November 25, 1869.
In May, 1875, J. P. Bushnell started the Commercial and Railway Gazette, devoted to the resources and industries of Iowa and Northwest, as the official organ of the State Immigration Board. August 19th, of the present year, it was merged in the Iowa Homestead and Farm Journal, and made a special department of that paper, with Mr. Bushnell as editor.
The record of newspapers has been made up by reference to old settlers and resident parties who were connected with the press in those days, so that the dates are largely dependent upon memory.
The compilation of the record of the Star and its successors has been difficult, as no files are extant except the State Journal, published by Will Porter. There being few book binderies in the State, the papers were not preserved. Judge Bates consigned the files of the Star, Argus and Statesman to a barrel, which when search was made for them years afterward were found the nest of mice and utterly destroyed. The Gazette and State Journal were carefully preserved and bound, thus becoming of almost incalculable value. The importance of prepreserving files of newspapers was illustrated in 1862, when the Ninth General Assembly changed the law respecting the right to dower. The law was enacted to take effect on and after its publication in two newspapers, one of which was the Des Moines Times. By

694 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

some oversight the certificate of publication of the law was not made to the Secretary of State, and the law did not therefore go into effect until July. Subsequently actions were begun to recover dower, under the law, vesting between the time of the publication and July. In many cases the amounts involved were large and the time was highly important. It was therefore, necessary to prove the publication in the Times, but not a copy could be found, although five hundred dollars was offered for one containing that law, so completely had the paper become annihilated. The loss was a serious one throughout the State.
The historian of these pages does not pretend here to record the frequent uprising of newspaper ventures which so soon were done for; the wonder is what they were begun for. Their names are legion-probably no city in the West can show a larger record.
Three monthly periodicals have been published here:
The Iowa School Journal was started in 1859, as the organ of the State department of Public Instruction by Mills Bros. In 1872 it was sold to C. M. Greene, who in 1875 sold it to W. E. Crosby, who removed it to Davenport.
In 1866, Mills & Co. started the Western Jurist, a law magazine with W. G. Hammond, now law chancellor of the State University, as editor, which has become one of the best and leading law journals in the country.
In 1874 Dr. J. E. Hendricks started the Analyst, devoted exclusively to mathematics, and which has become a popular and standard publication among the leading mathematicians of the world.
In 1866-7 the first city directory was published by Mills & Co., and was compiled by L. F. Andrews, the veteran journalist of the city. This was followed by another in 1869, since when it has been regularly published by J. P. Bushnell.

CIVIC SOCIETIES.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Fort Des Moines Lodge, No. 25, instituted April 26, 1850, with Madison Young, C. C. Van, Marshal Townsley, B. F. Allen, I. J. Cole, and Granville Holland, as charter members. Their first lodge room was over Holland's store, the lodge having furnished a portion of the means to erect the building on Second street near Market.
Capital Lodge, No. 106, was instituted June 5, 1857, with H. H. Griffith, Will. Tomlinson, M. L. Devin, P. Van Horn, John P. Haskins, and W. Rhemsburg, as charter members. Its hall is at the corner of East Sixth and Sycamore. This lodge has a library connected with it.
Jonathan Lodge, No. 137 (German), was instituted in 1865. Its first meetings were held in Cooper's Block, on Court Avenue.
Rebecca Degree Lodge was. chartered in 1871, with W. W. and Mary R. Moore, S. H. and Mary Haskell, W. F. and Mary M. Thomason, Lamoine and Gertrude C. Mott, George and Pauline E. Sneer, George C. and Mary J. Jeffries, D. V. and Henrietta N. Cole, as charter members.
Ebenezer Encampment, was instituted March 15, 1853, with W. W. Moore, P. M. Casady, C. C. Van, Peter Myers, R. L. Tidrick, D. V. Cole, and Alex. Bowers, as charter members.
Free and Accepted Masons-Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, was instituted January 16, 1850, with J. E. Jewett, Benjamin Coffeen, W. T. Marion, John W. Rush, T. G. Burbridge, J. J. Davis, and J. S. Dicks, as charter members.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 695

The first person admitted to membership was Madison Young, February 22, 1850.
Capital Lodge (East Side) was instituted June 15,1857, with J. M. Griffiths, J. A. Williamson, J. W. Stanton, H. H. Griffiths, Stewart Goodrell, and T. K. Brooks, as charter members.
Corinthian Chapter, R. A. M., No. 14, was instituted June 14, 1856, with Scovill White, J. E. Jewett, John Youngerman, C. P. Luse, A. Y. Hall, J. M. Griffiths, A. Morris, W. T. Smith, and J. H. Given, as charter members.
Capital Council, of R. and S. M., No. 9, was instituted June 17, 1867, with Lewis Kinsey, Absolom Morris, H. H. Griffihs, J. M. Griffiths, S. M. Good, J. H. Dykeman, J. B. Miller, J. E. Fleischman, R. W. Sypher, Charles Linderman, and Hiram Robinson, as charter members.
Emanuel Consistory, A.-.A.-.A.-. No. 2, was organized in 1867, with Joseph M. Griffiths, Henry H. Griffiths, Wesley Redhead, S. M. Good, Isaac N. Thomas, John A. Elliott, Charles Linderman, J. B. Tiffin, Charles A. Mosier, Thomas A. Boyd, and Thomas W. Calberts, as charter members.
Des Moines Commandery, K. T., No. 4, was organized in 1857, with John Scott, Solomon McCain, A. Morris, E. F. Hooker, J. Y. Hopkins, and Thomas Thompson, as charter members. In 1866 its title was changed to Temple Commandery.
Home Lodge, No. 370, was instituted under a dispensation January 12, 1876, and chartered June 11, 1876, with Wm. Brunton, C. S. Binkley, L. E. Ayers, D. E. Perkins, J. R. Crawshaw, H. Cunningham, James Allen, S., Steward, Wm. Langley, J. Steward, and D. W. Johnson, as charter members.
Eastern Star Degree Lodge, of Home Lodge, was chartered December 12, 1871. Its membership is composed of the wives and daughters of A. F. and A. M.
North Star Lodge, F. A. & Y. M. (colored), was organized in 1872, and re-organized in 1875. Its first officers were J. S. Carter, S. B. Smith, E. Morton, J. Long, and A. W. Berney.
Knights of Pythias-Myrtle Lodge, No. 9, was founded February 22, 1871, with M. T. Y. Bowman, W. W. Moore, S. M. Good, L. Voight, C. T. Hewitt, W. A. Abbott, G. B. Wicks, Chris. Bathman, Charles Weitz, Conrad Youngerman, L. M. G. Barnett, Louis Harbach, W. L. White, George Vincent, and George A. McVicker, as charter members. It was re-organized in March, 1875.
Capital City Lodge, No. 29, was organized March 22, 1876, with W. P. Bentley, James C. Savery, J. S. Clarkson, George H. Bugbee, C. S. Wilson, S. M. Elliott, W. S. Grimes, J. L. Keyes, Galusha Parsons, H. L. Skinner, J. S. Runnells, and Wm. Foster, as charter members.
Ancient Order of United Workmen-Des Moines Lodge, No 18, was organized March 15, 1875. The objects of this order are to promote the interests and welfare of its members, to render assistance and protection in times of sickness, and insurance in case of death.
Capital Lodge, No. 14, was organized February 8, 1875, on the East Side, with the following charter members: Samuel M. Good, John O. Skinner, George F. Walker, John A. Bryan, Charles H. Ward, William Hadgley, Wm. H. Shaw, Samuel Green, Josiah F. Kennedy, Clarence B. Jones, Graves B. Hammer, Isaac Brandt, George Garver, Samuel M. Elliott,

696 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

Homer C. Paige, Wm. H. Fleming. This lodge has a library connected with it.
Temperance Organizations-Through the personal effort of Judge M. D. McHenry a division of the Sons of Temperance was organized in 1856, and it was given the title of Golden Rule, No. 81, being the same as that of which he was a member in Kentucky. This order has been nearly supplanted by the Independent Order of Good Templars.
January 29, 1877, Des Moines Lodge, I. O. of G. T., was organized on the East Side by Hon. George W. McCrary, now Judge of the U. S. Circuit Court, with Samuel A. Ayres, John Davis, Jas. C. Cooper, Wm. Osborne, John B. Hardin, E. A. Snyder, E. E. Kimball, N. B. Cooley, Freeman Tisdale, J. H. Armstrong, Wm. Riddle, Martha A. Cooley, Ann Tisdale, Rowena Foster, as charter members.
Eureka Degree Temple, No. 4, I. O. of G. T., was organized October 18, 1858, with Isaac Brandt, Geo. O. Chambers, T. W. Gill, John H. Looby, Wm. Rhemsburg, M. E. Rhemsburg, Sarah A. Rhemsburg, Isabella, Francis and Jennie Owens, as charter members.
Union Lodge, I. O. of G. T., No. 263, was organized on the West Side, May 7, 1863, with A. W. Rollins, D. D. Skinner, Ed. B. Stillman, George D. Ingersoll, Thos. E. Keeney, George A. Sells, George A. McVicker, W. H. M. Smith, W. A. Saylor, C. W. Rhoades, Frank Mix, Ed. C. Russell, Mrs. C. E. Lanatrum, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Sue Rogg, Mrs. M. A. Peters, Mrs. R. Leyner, and Mrs. Kate L.Turk, as charter members.
The Des Moines Reform Club, West Side, Capital City Reform Club, East Side, and Prohibition Club, West Side, were organized in 1878-79.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was incorporated under State law in 1880, although it had a prior organization for one or two years.
Legion of Honor.-El Dorado Lodge, No. 25, was organized on the West Side July 1, 1879. Its objects are a system of co-operative mutual insurance in case of sickness or death. Charter officers: Worthy President, P. H. Bristow; Worthy Vice-President, Geo. H. Gardner; Chaplain, F. J. Cressey; Recording Secretary, W. A. Agard; Financial Secretary, T. L. Johnson; Treasurer, Augustus Smith; Usher, C. H. Turner; Doorkeeper, J. M. Laird; Sentinel, C. D. Shreves; Trustees, G. M. Walker, H. R. Heath, John O. Mahana. This lodge started with seventy-one charter members.
Excelsior Lodge, No. 24, was organized on the East Side, July 1, 1879, with the following charter officers: Worthy President, W. A. laskell; Worthy Vice-.President, W. L. Reed; Recording Secretary, T. H. Smith; Financial Secretary, A. C. Stephenson; Treasurer, L. E. Ayers; Chaplain, J. A. Boyer; Usher, ; Sentinel, Oscar Clark; Doorkeeper, R. W. Russell; Trustees, Leander Bolton, R. W. Russell.
Miscellaneous Associations.-Des Moines Turner Society was organized July 12, 1857, and August 8 of the same year was admitted to the North American Turnerbund. The charter members were: George Neidhardt, Ferd. Sandber, John Raible, Gotleib Utz, Gotleib Munzenmeier, John Herman, J. F. Kappes, Christ. Hartleib, Louis Stutz, Fred. Harbach, And. Se- xauer, Christ. Wetlig, Wend. Miehl, Charles Neckerman, Fred. Sinn, Henry Heers, Chas. P. Reinig, Fred. Reinig, Hobert Water, Franz Ibler. The object of the society is the cultivation of the more perfect man, physically and mentally. Monthly meetings are held for mental exercises, comprising music, lectures, debates and the discussion of all living questions.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 697

Special attention is given to the maintenance of a Germano-American day, and Sunday free non-sectarian school. A system of benefit insurance is also one of the objects.
The Library Association was organized December 17th, 1866. On the 2d of May, 1876, it was transferred to the care of ladies and it took a new lease of life. Its rooms are on West Fourth Street, near Court Avenue.
Saux Tribe, No. 2, Improved Order of Red Men, was organized in October, 1871. This order is the oldest in the Union, dating back to 1771. Its motto is: " Freedom, friendship and charity."
The Caledonian Club was organized September 10,1872, with Georga R. McIntosh, George E. Lillie, John Sneddon, L. M. Squair and John Burnside as the first officers. It was incorporated in 1873.
St. George's Society was organized by Thomas Brooke January 5,1874, with T. M. Knight, T. D. Hulme, J. Fellows, J. Dixon, S. Lowe and Thos. Brooke as its first officers.
Des Moines Division, No. 38, of Conductor's Brotherhood was organized December 21, 1875, with Charles E. Smith, J. C. Hewitt, O. S. Ward, C. W. Curtis, A. McBride, G. W. Bull, D. Bowers, T. Crouch, J. A. Taylor, J. A. Platt, C. M. Burnett, Charles Morse, Wils. Edmunson and G. W. Donaldson as charter members.
Des Moines Division, No. 113, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers,, was organized February 12, 1870, with C. S. Binkley, W. Slade, J. J.. Goodwin, M. S. Barney, G. W. Warren, Wm. Sprague and Henry Marvin as the first board of officers.
The Society of Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized June 25, 1876,. with David Bulger, James McNerney, Peter Heeney, Thomas Killeen, Nicholas Walsh as its first officers.
Lazarus Samich Lodge of K. S. B. was organized November 17, 1876,. with M. Riegelman, M. Strauss, J. Mandelbaum, L. M. Doctor, H. Riegelman, H. Younkers, M. Schloss, J. Riegelman, H. Hiller, L. Ortleib, L. Hirsch, Ro. F. Shawr, as it first officers.
Fidelity Lodge, Knights of Honor, was organized in 1879, with George Sneer, Hamilton Browne, J. O. Mahana, J. M. Laird, B. J. Bartlett, C. G. Lewis, F. Case, Alexander Hastie, S. G. Cope, Chas. P. Reinig, M. C. Christy, R. M. Stone, W. D. Ellsworth, F. J. Cressy and J. W. Muffly as charter members. The object of the order is the insurance of members in case of sickness and death.
Iowa State Mutual Benefit Association, incorporated in April, 1878, with Rev. J. A. Nash, President. It is a temperance life assurance association.
Union Ladies' Relief Society, organized in 1875, for the relief of the indigent poor of the city. It is managed by ladies of the city.
Young Men's Christian Association, was organized in 1856 and reorganized in 1878, and is now in a flourishing condition.
Grand Army of the Republic.-Kinsman Post, No. 7, was organized
in February, 1879, with the following charter members: L. E. Ayres, W. F. Conrad, J. C. Painter, G. L. Berry, Randolph Frame, M. C. Stanes, A. H. Botkin, B. H. Dear, C. W. Nelson, R. W. Hamilton, Joseph F. Burgess, Chas. H. McCauley, A. W. Guthrie, John Shanley, Durbin Grupe.
Crocker Post, No. 12, was organized March 12, 1878, with the following charter members: W. L. Alexander, Geo. W. Bristow, M. T. Y. Bowman, W. L. Davis, Josiah Given, George Griffith, Dr. George P. Hannawalt, J.

698 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

H. Long, D. R. Lucas, M. K. McFadden, Wm. Merrill, Thomas Morgan, Thomas G. Orwig, W. H. Sallada, Fred. S. Whiting, C. S. Wilson, J. S. Walker, Godfrey Zelle, S. K. Clifford, Jesse W. Cheek, Joel W. Witmer.
Joe Booker Post, No. 21, was organized November 18, 1879, with the following charter members: Samuel Hilton, Edward Hyland, Abraham Ashworth, John C. Lang, H. E. Waltz, W. Bailey, Jas. Parker, A. P. Kindred, D. T. Todd, Joseph Gifford , Geo. W. Cripps, L. H. Bradshaw, A. D. Littleton, C. L. Watrous, F. Beaner, F. R. Thurber, Jno. Lewis, L. C. Freeman, John McKims, C. R. Iddings, P. V. Carey, B. H. Dear, T. B. Robinson, B. D. Bartlett, S. L. Fuller, Alf. Hammer, F. M. Tubbs, L. C. Young, Peter Lambert, J. W. Mills, W. J. Baber, A. W. Warnock.

CORPORATIONS FOR PECUNIARY PROFIT.

There are two fire and one life insurance companies in the city. The Hawkeye Fire Insurance Company was organized March 6,1865, by E. J. Ingersoll, B. F. Allen, F. W. Palmer, James Callanan, and J. B. Tiffin. Mr. Ingersoll has been its president from the outset. Its assets have increased from $28,617.14, in 1866, to $603,190.97, on January 1, 1880. Its capital is $100,000, liabilities, $236,625.70, surplus, $266,565.27.
The State Fire Insurance Company was organized September 5, 1865, with W. M. Stone, president; C. C. Cole, vice-president; W. H. Holmes, treasurer; J. M. Shuck, secretary. Capital, January 1, 1880, $130,000, gross surplus, $243,435.97, assets, $387,763.59.
The Equitable Life Insurance Company was incorporated January 25, 1867, with Hoyt Sherman, president, who still continues in office. Capital, $100,000, assets, $476,408.36, liabilities, $432,408.36, amount deposited with State Auditor to secure policy holders, $315,000.
The Des Moines Gas Company was organized in April, 1864, by James M. Starr, of Richmond, Indiana. The works were located at the corner of West Second and Market streets, and on Tuesday evening, July 11, 1865, the city was first lighted by gas. In September, 1875, the Capital City Gas Light Company was organized by J. F. Marsh, who was its president. Its works were located at the corner of East First and Market. It purchased the old gas works, and on the evening of November 23, 1876, the city was first lighted by this company.
The Des Moines Water Company was organized April 3, 1871, by B. F. Allen, J. S. Polk, J. C. Savery, J. M. Tuttle, Hoyt Sherman, P. M. Casady, John A. Elliott, George Whitaker, F. M. Hubbell and Wm. Braden. The capital was originally $50,000, but was increased to $300,000. The Holly system was adopted, works were erected, and the city supplied with water in 1871. The works subsequently passed into the hands of Polk and Hubbell, and during the present year were sold to a joint stock company.
In 1854 Hoyt Sherman commenced the banking business in the town of Des Moines, which was merged in the Des Moines branch of the State Bank, January 1, 1859, with Mr. Sherman as cashier. In May, 1865, the bank was reorganized as the National State Bank, and continued until May, 1876, when it surrendered its charter, closed its business and was succeeded by F. R. West & Sons, as private bankers.
In 1868 John W. Ulm started a private bank, and the following year was joined by Samuel Coskery. In November, 1871, a corporation under the name of Citizens' Bank was organized, with Samuel Merrill, president;

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 699

John A. Elliott, vice-president; and John W. Ulm, cashier, and the bank of Ulm & Coskery was transferred to the new corporation. May 15, 1872, the bank was reorganized as the Citizens' National Bank, without change of officers, and has since continued as a national bank.
The Iowa National Bank was organized November 1, 1875, with H. K. Love, president, and George H. Maish, cashier.
In 1864 the First National Bank was organized, with J. B. Stewart, president, and Charles Mosher, cashier. In 1870, it surrendered its charter and wound up its business, Mr. Stewart having two years previously sold his interest to B. F. Allen and retired from the bank. During Mr. Stewart's presidency the bank cashed, at different times, two government drafts for five hundred thousand dollars each.
In 1864 the Second National Bank was organized, G. M. Hippee, president, and George W. Jones, cashier. In 1870 it surrendered its charter and wound up its affairs simultaneously with the First National Bank.
The Iowa Loan and Trust Company was incorporated February 13, 1872, with John A. Elliott, James Callanan, Corydon E. Fuller, John W. Ulm, James B. Heartwell, John M. Coggeshall, Samuel Merrill, John M. Owens, George A. Jewett, M. T. Russell, C. C. Carpenter, Brown & Dudley, I. N. Thomas and J. G. Weeks as corporators. Its capital is $100,000, with a limit of $1,000,000. Its business is that of making loans on real estate security.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The first organization of a system for protection against fire was perfected in 1865; by Charles S. Spofford, Charles Harrington, William England, William Neafie, Jack Sell, and John Miller, who volunteered their services as a hook and ladder company. The city purchased a small hand engine, and the company was reorganized as the Hawkeye Hose Company, with John Miller, president; Wm. England, secretary; David Utterson, treasurer; Charles S. Spoford, chief engineer; Charles Harrington, foreman; Jack Sells, assistant foreman.
In March, 1867, a fire company was organized, with Gustavus Washburne as foreman, and the city council solicited to purchase a steam fire engine. The project failed, and the company disbanded. In April, of the same year, a new company was organized, as the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, and the officers of the Hawkeye Hose Company were made officers of the new company. In 1868, the city having purchased the steam fire engine Gen. Crocker, Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company was organized, who took possession of the old hook and ladder trucks, the Hawkeye Hose Company taking the hose cart. Both were consolidated and constituted one department, as Reserve No. 1, with Charles S. Spofford as chief:
In 1870 the steamer was superseded by the water-works, the fire department was reorganized, and a consolidation perfected, under the name of Hawkeye Hose Company, No. 1.(West Side), and Fellowship Hose Company, No. 2 (East Side), and Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1.
The department was made co-extensive with the city. The first officers were Frank Voodry, president; R. Morris, vice-president; W. H. Brucken, secretary; John McGuire, treasurer. June 2, 1873, the city council established the fire department of the city, and the different organizations were placed under control of a chief engineer, subject to direction of the city council. William Neafie was elected first chief engineer under this code, with Frank Voodry as his assistant.

700 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

RAILROADS.

The pioneer settlers of Des Moines parted company with railroads at Chicago, and slowly groped their way with wagons to the Raccoon Forks; or shipped on some river steamboat and came to Keokuk or Montrose; thence by wagon. On the 9th of May, 1843, landed at the bank of the Des Moines river, near where the Keokuk & Des Moines railroad bridge now stands, the little steamer Ione, the first steamboat that parted the waters of that stream at this point. From her deck was landed a small body of soldiers, who, constituted the subsequent garrison of the Fort.

In 1849 Fink & Walker established a stage line from Keokuk to Des Moines, which advertised to run three times a week, but passengers were more frequently content to make one trip in a week in a "jerky," with the diversion of carrying a rail to pry the vehicle out of the mud at frequent intervals. This company was superseded by the Western Stage Company, who had started from Indianapolis, slowly retreating westward before the advance of railroads. July 1, 1854, the first coach of this company entered Des Moines. Col. E. F. Hooker, as superintendent, came with it. The headquarters were at the Everett House, which stood on Third street, on the lot first north of Harbach's furniture establishment. This was an immense corporation, and possessed a large equipment. It owned a farm of six hundred acres near the city, on which it raised grass and grain and rejuvenated dilapidated horses. It occupied a good extent of territory in the town for barns, sheds, repair shop, etc. It, however, was compelled to retreat before the onward tread of the iron horse, and on the first day of July, 1870, the Stage Company "pulled out" from Des Moines for Colorado. The property of the company in the city and county was disposed of, and in 1874 the last coach was sold to an Omaha man. Mr. A. T. Johnson, who was the agent of the company from 1858, mounted the box of the last coach and rode to the depot, and doffed his hat as he parted with the old familiar coach.

In 1853 the people about the Raccoon Porks began to tire of slow coaches, and talked railroad. September 19th, of that year, at a special election, the county voted to subscribe $150,000 to aid in building the Lyons & Iowa Central railroad, from Lyons via Des Moines, to the Missouri river. It was known as the ram's horn railroad. The road never progressed farther than the paper stage. It was a splendid road on paper.
September 20, 1856, the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company made it appear to the people of the county that they were building a railroad from the Mississippi to the Missouri, and would make Des Moines a point on the line if sufficient encouragement was given. The people, at an
election September 20, 1856, voted to issue bonds for the benefit of the railroad company to the amount of $300,000. After waiting three years the people got mad and rescinded the vote by which the bonds were ordered issued, and thus escaped a grievous burden of heavy taxes and long litigation, which has fallen to the lot of other counties who issued their bonds to that corporation.
The people despaired of getting a railroad. In the meantime a corporation was organized to improve Des Moines river for purposes of navigation. To give a history of it would require a volume. The project was abandoned, and the franchises of the corporation passed to the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company in 1853. In 1854 the name was

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 701

changed to the Des Moines Valley Railroad Company, without change of owners. A railroad was started from Keokuk up and along the Des Moines River. It reached Eddyville in 1861, and again the people of Des Moines were doomed to wait for several years the tardy coming of the iron horse. On the 29th day of August, 1866, the road was completed to this city, and the first passenger train of railroad cars entered the city of Des Moines, stopping at the depot grounds on the East Side. It was greeted by a large concourse of citizens, who gathered to witness the full fruition of long deferred expectations. The road was pushed on immediately to Fort Dodge.
In 1866 the Mississippi & Missouri, which had become hopelessly bankrupt, was sold July 9th, of that year, under a foreclosure of mortgage, to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, which had become incorporated under the laws of Illinois and Iowa. The road was speedily pushed forward to Council Bluffs, reaching Monday, point in June, 1869. The first passenger train entered Des Moines Monday, September 9, 1867. A freight and construction train came in, however, on Friday, August 30. The first regular passenger train pulled out for Chicago, Monday, September 9.
At a public meeting of citizens on the evening of February 8, 1868, was inaugurated a movement which culminated in the organization of the Iowa & Minnesota Narrow Gauge Railroad Company, which, August 1, 1870, was changed to the Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company. Track laying began January 12, 1874, the first spike being driven by Governor C. C. Carpenter, and in August of that year the road was completed to Ames. The name of the company was subsequently changed to Des Moines & Minneapolis. August 1, 1879, the road, with all its franchises, was leased perpetually to the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, who changed the gauge to the standard width, and on Sunday, July 11, of the present year, the first passenger train of that company entered the city on the broad gauge track.
In 1871 the Des Moines, Indianola & Missouri Railroad was built by the C. R. I. & P. from Des Moines to Indianola. In 1872 the Des Moines, Winterset & Southwestern road was built from Summerset Junction, on the D. M. I. & M. to Winterset by the C. R. I. & P. Railroad Company. In 1867 these roads passed into the possession of the C. R. I. & P. Railroad Company. In 1879 the C. B. & Q. constructed a branch from Chariton to Indianola, thus giving Des Moines a connection with the C. B. & Q.
During the present year the Des Moines, Knoxville & Albia Railroad was built by the C. B. & Q. from Albia to Des Moines, thus connecting the city direct with the C. B. & Q. trunk line. The first passenger train entered the city January 10, 1880.
In 1873 the Des Moines Valley road was sold to pay its debts. It was bisected in this city, and the south half became the Keokuk & Des Moines, the north half the Des Moines & Fort Dodge. October 1, 1878, the K. & D. M. passed into the possession of the C. R. I. & P.
During the present year the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Company have built a branch from Albert Lea to Fort Dodge, connecting with the Des Moines & Fort Dodge road, and trains will be running from Minneapolis to Des Moines before the close of the year.
The Milwaukee, Marion, Marshalltown & Des Moines Railroad has been

702 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

surveyed and negotiations are pending which will probably result in the road being built by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul.
Des Moines has become the railroad center of the State. Thirty-eight passenger trains each day now arrive and depart. No other city in the State is so favorably supplied with railroad facilities. Since their advent the growth of the city has been rapid and stable. Other roads are being projected in this direction, reaching to the north and southwest.
October 1, 1866, was organized the Des Moines Street Railway Co., with Dr. M. P. Turner, president; J. S. Polk, vice-president; U. B. White, superintendent; and Fred. M. Hubbell, secretary. The next year track was laid and cars were running on Court Avenue, on the West Side, and to Capital Hill. November, 1872, two and one-half miles of track were added, carrying the line westward on Walnut and High to Fifteenth street, and eastward, on Sycamore, to Tenth, East Side. It is keeping pace with the progress of the city in all things, and is an almost indispensable institution.

PRIVATE BANKS:

The private banks of the city have been numerous. A. J. Stevens opened the first bank, in 1853, and in 1873 sold to Callanan & Ingham, who closed out in 1862. Hoyt Sherman & Co. followed Mr. Stevens in 1854, and, in 1854, his bank was merged in the State Bank. In 1855, Maclot, Corban & White, Cook, Sargent & Cook, and Green, Weare & Rice opened three banks. Maclot, Corban & White, in 1857, sold out to White & Smith. Cook, Sargent & Cook and Green, Weare & Rice closed in 1858. Scott & Williamson started a bank in 1858. The private banks of that date were not of long duration, and succumbed to the monetary prowess of the State Bank. In 1873 I. N. Thomas started a bank on the East Side, which succumbed to the financial panic of 1875-6. The Capital City Bank was established in 1869 on the East Side, with B. F. Allen as president and Albert L. West, cashier. In July, 1876, it was sold to Sigler & Christy, and August 5, 1878, was incorporated under the State law, with A. W. Naylor, president; Wm. Christy, cashier. Capital, $100,000. The Valley Bank was organized Jan. 9,1873, by G. M. Hippee and J. J. Towne, with a capital of $50,000, which has since been increased to $100,000 by. the admission of several wealthy capitalists to the institution. The Des Moines Bank was started by P. M. Casady, C. H. Gatch, E. S. Gatch and Simon Casady, July 26, 1875. In 1876, A. N. Kellogg started a bank which existed but a few months.
No city in the West has better or more stable banking facilities than Des Moines at present.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Mention has already been made of the county court-house, which was the first public building erected in the town. The most conspicuous edifice is the new capitol. It will be necessary to go back several years to trace the record which leads to the present magnificent structure adorning the eminence on the East Side.
The organization of Polk county and the contest for the location of the county-seat have already been referred to. In the winter of 1848-9, the Legislature appointed a commission, consisting of Quakers, to select and

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 703

locate a site for a new capital of the State. The reason for selecting Quakers was that they were deemed less vulnerable to the influence which speculators and corrupt politicians would be likely to bring to bear upon the location of a site. They came to Des Moines, where they were treated with princely hospitality. Ten acres of ground were offered them for a site, and a large number of eligible lots as the basis of a building fund. The broadbrims kept their counsel and retired. Oskaloosa, Newton and other places presented their claims. Taylor Pierce, who was then a resident of Jasper county and the owner of a ferry near Newton, on the Skunk river, the worst damned river in the West, magnanimously offered to fix up the roads leading to Newton, so the people could easily get to the capital. It should be remembered that it required about half a day's hard tugging to get from the eastern bluff, across the bottom, to Taylor's ferry. The newspapers of the rival localities tooted their claims in vigorous terms, not forgetting to heap derision on all others. The Quakers finally located the site on the broad, wild prairie, four miles north of where Monroe now is, in Jasper county, six miles from the river and four miles from any settler's cabin. No sooner had they made their decision, than a town of magnificent distances was laid out and lots sold at fabulous prices. John Q. Deakin invested five hundred dollars in quadrangular rows of stakes. The Quakers reported their doings to the Legislature, which produced a sensation. The absurdity of their decision was instantly seized upon; they were charged with corruption and questionable finesse, until at last the matter was relegated to oblivion, and the gophers continued to burrow on the expected site of the capital, and Mr. Deakin's investment in stakes dissolved into nothingness.
In 1854 the Legislature appointed another commission to locate the capital, consisting of Hon. Guy Wells, of Iowa City; Mr. Pegram, of Council Bluffs; J. H. D. Street, of Wapello; Stewart Goodrell and John L. Crookham, of Oskaloosa. They came to Des Moines, where they were at once feted and banqueted to surfeit. They soon discovered there were two sides to the matter. The people on the west side of the Des Moines river wanted the location on their side, while those on the east side were equally anxious to secure it there. A small village had started there, which was called Demoine, an orthography which the proprietor of the town, Mr. Dean, pertinaciously adhered to, declaring he didn't care how they spelled it over the river. He carried his point, for it has attached to all legal conveyances of his original plat to the present date. W. A. Scott offered to donate to the State forty acres of land. A company was organized, consisting of W. A. Scott, J. A. Williamson, J. M. Griffiths, Alex. Shaw, T. K. Brooks and others, who agreed to erect a suitable building for a statehouse. The strife between the two sides was bitter and vigorous. It entered into politics and every part of the community. Curtis Bates resided on the West Side. The Democrats-had nominated him for Governor, with the expectation that he would be elected and use his influence for his own locality. The Whigs nominated James W. Grimes, of Burlington. He came to Des Moines and ostensibly purchased several lots on the East Side to secure favor with the people, though it was reported he did not pay much for them. He therefore became interested in the location of the capital there. He was quite unexpectedly elected, much to the discomfiture of the Democrats, who had hitherto controlled the politics of the State. The capital was located there, an event which was celebrated by the East Side

704 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY

people with great enthusiasm, while those on the West Side held indignation meetings and denounced things in general. Through the efforts of Judge Casady and others wise counsel prevailed, and the antagonism died out.
As an indication of the political excitement at that time the following incident is narrated: The State and Polk county had always been Democratic. In 1853 the vote was divided between Pierce, Scott and Hale for President. Grimes was the Republican candidate and Curtis Bates the Democratic candidate; for governor. It was the off year, and the Republicans argued that the Scott and Hale men of 1853 would all vote for Grimes; and if so, it would only require thirteen votes to carry the election, but where to get them was the problem to be solved. Meetings were held and much enthusiasm worked up, but the Democrats did not yield. They stuck fast, having a local interest and pride in Judge Bates, and beside he was the avowed friend of the West Side in the location of the state-house, where most of the Democrats resided. Election was approaching and matters looked foreboding and blue to the Republicans. A meeting was called to consider the matter, but it was barren of results. After the meeting, so the story goes, John Q. Deakin, who lived at Vandalia, Tom Mitchell and Granville Holland, came together "by chance the usual way," when John said: "Tom, let's buy some hogs, and take 'em down to Ottumwa and sell 'em. We can get 'em down therein about two weeks."
Tom and Granville "tumbled to the racket," and they started out for hogs. The farmers were then mostly settled along the river. They scoured the settlements, giving a cent and a half a pound, which was a big price for pork then. When they had secured a good drove they hired sixteen good Democrats from Polk county to help drive the hogs to Ottumwa, starting several days before election, and timing their drives so as to reach Ottumwa the day before election, when they sold the hogs. They told the sixteen drivers to take the teams and return the next day, and mounting their horses the Grimes men made long strides for Polk county, arriving home in time to do a good day's work at the polls and cast their vote for Grimes. The records in the county Auditor's office shows the result of the election:

The story, therefore, has a firm foundation, in fact.
The sixteen Democratic hog drivers did not get home until the election was over, and thus for the first time the Democrats were beaten in Polk county. They were terribly mad then, but they relate the incident now with hearty glee.
Immediately after the location of the capital a strife sprang up in other darts of the State for a relocation, which continued until the Constitutional Convention, in 1857, permanently located it at Des Moines, by a provision in the constitution, and in December of that year the archives of the State were hauled by oxen on sleds from Iowa City and deposited in the statehouse, and Des Moines was happy once more.
April 13, 1870, the Legislature decided to erect a new capitol of dimensions and character which should be commensurate with the growth and prosperity of the State for all future time. No sooner had this determination been made than strenuous efforts began to develop to defeat it by rival

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 705

localities, who had not yet abandoned the hope of removing the capital from Raccoon Forks. These culminated in opposition to the first appropriation to the construction of the edifice. No bill before the Legislature ever received so cunningly devised and so powerfully wielded an opposition as was arraigned against that bill, for its passage settled beyond question the permanent location of the capitol. The bill was admirably managed in the House by Ron. John A. Kasson, and in the Senate by B. F. Allen. So close was the contest a direct vote was several times postponed, the friends of the bill not daring to venture the risk unless every member of the Legislature was in his seat, and the vote was not reached until near the close of the session. When the day was known it was to be decided there was intense excitement. The halls were crowded. The bill passed the Senate and was taken up in the House at once. During the roll call there was an impressive silence. Every member had a tally sheet. Mr. Kasson was on his feet alert, and watching the answers of members. When the last name was called three votes were wanting to pass the bill. The members had not voted. Mr. Kasson quickly passed to two of them, while the clerk was counting up the vote, and as he was about to hand the Speaker the result they arose and offered their votes. In the rear of the chamber was an Irish member, who was inclined to "dodge." Rev. Father Brazil, always interested in the prosperity of Des Moines, stepped quickly behind him, took him by the coat collar and raised him up, and told him to vote, which he did, and the bill was passed by a majority of two votes. On the 17th day of August, 1871, the first stone on the foundation was laid, and November 23, 1871, amid a cold, raw, sleety storm, the corner-stone was laid with imposing civic display, since when the building has been rising in magnificent proportions. Two years will be required to complete what will be one of the finest buildings in the Union.
In 1865 Congress decided, through the influence of John A. Kasson, member from this district, to erect a post-office building in Des Moines. Mr. Kasson was appointed to locate and secure a site for the same, a fact which was not made public for financial reasons. In those days the city was badly afflicted with "manifest destiny." Railroads and other important projects must come to the State capital per force. Corner lot speculation was rife, and everybody was exalted with great expectations," and were watching for what was inevitable, the location and building of a post office. Nearly all the business of the city was done below Fourth street, and owners of eligible property below that point were anxious to furnish Uncle Sam with the desired site. Mr. Kasson quietly purchased the entire block, corner of Court Avenue and Fifth, for the government, and the erection of the building was begun in 1867, and cost, when completed, $210,000. It was erected under the supervision of George Whitaker. In it are located the U. S. court-rooms, land office and revenue collector's office.
In 1867, when the War of the Rebellion had closed, it became necessary to provide a safe deposit for the records and relics of the war. Adjutant-General N. B. Baker, whose name will never be forgotten in connection with the events of that period, devised and carried through to completion the erection of an arsenal building, constructed entirely of brick, iron and stone, on West First, between Walnut and Locust streets, for that purpose. It is two stories high, and, though not an imposing structure, it is the central point of interest and attraction in the city. In it are stored relics of the war, and

706 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

the torn and battle-scarred flags of the different Iowa regiments who took part in the Union army.
In 1876 a stock company was formed which erected on Walnut street, corner of West Ninth street, the Exposition building. It is 132 feet square and three stories high. Its cost was $75,000. It was designed for annual exhibitions of the mechanical industries and art, and was formally opened October 5 of that year.

HOTELS.

According to the memory of the early settlers now residing in this vicinity, the first hotel or tavern in Des Moines was kept, in 1846, in a log cabin on the spot where Bennett's woolen mill now stands, on the east side of the river, by Esquire Meacham. It was a primitive institution, and its provender was principally bacon, corn bread and potatoes. It was subsequently enlarged and became the Capital House. About the same time, a tavern was opened on the West Side, near 'Coon Point, kept by Martin Tucker, who signed his name by proxy, with an X, in one of the old barracks buildings. Also, the Pennsylvania House, in a barrack building, which gave way for the Des Moines House. The price of a meal was ten cents, lodging, twenty-five cents; keeping team, fifteen cents. If wheat biscuits were served, a meal was fifteen cents. Among the guests in May, 1846, was, Georga Beebe, who stopped over night and the next day went to Madison township to set up his cabin, where Polk City now is. Between his cabin and the Minnesota State line there was not a cabin or trace of civilization. Simultaneous with Tucker's tavern, B. T. Hoxie opened a tavern in a log building on Third street, on the lot north of Harbach's furniture store. In 1852 an addition was made to it, and it became the stage company's headquarters, and in that year it was sold to James C. Savery and the name was changed to City Hotel. It was torn down in 1876.
Mr. Tucker did not propose to be outdone in the tavern business. He purchased an old blacksmith shop standing where the Des Moines & Fort Dodge depot now is, "put a condition to it, "run an avenue through it," and opened it as a first-class house, and such it became. It was afterward sold and became the Collins House, under which name it was torn down is 1866. Then followed the Des Moines House, corner Walnut and First, American, on West Third, Cooley House (now Loper), on East Fifth, also Walker and Scott, on the East Side; the Buckeye, corner West Walnut and Third, the Cottage on Court Avenue, opened by John Hays. The Scott was sold to Mr. Slatten, who changed the name to Slatten House, which was next changed to Hawkeye House. It is now a brick ruins near the east end of the Keokuk & Des Moines railroad bridge. In 1853-54 Conrad Stutsman purchased the Pennsylvania House, moved it to the south and erected a large two-story building for a hotel. In 1854 he sold one-half of his interest to J. C. Warner and one-half to John Yost, who opened the hotel in April, 1855. When the question came up for a name, it was decided to call it after the name of the town, but how to spell it was the problem. There was a strife between the East and West Side on that as in everything else at that time. Mr. Dean had laid out and platted a town on the East Side and named it Demoine. When questioned as to the orthography, he replied he, didn't care anything about them literary fellows on the West Side; he was going to have it as it was pronounced, and so it remains to this day. Warner & Yost adopted the same logic and the hotel

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 707

was christened the Demoine House. In October, 1855, Col. S. F. Spofford, who came to Des Moines in September previous, purchased Yost's interest for $7,500, and the following April purchased Warner's interest for $9,500 and became sole owner of the property and landlord, which position he occupied until 1876, when he leased the property. It was torn down in 1878.
There are several early settlers now residents of the city who have a vivid remembrance of laughable scenes enacted in the old Pennsylvania House. It was one story and a half high, the upper story being in one long room with a row of beds on either side, without curtain or partition. Three in a bed was very often the ease, and strange bedfellows were frequently thrown together. It was the custom to deposit all cast-off clothing, boots, shoes, hats, etc., under the beds with a vigorous kick, and it is related by an eye-witness that at one time when some repairs were to be made it was necessary to clear the room. The wreck of wardrobes was. pitched out of a window and made a pile from the ground to the window.
This brings us to the date of modern hotels, the first of which was the Savery House, which was commenced by a stock company in 1856, in which $60,000 were invested. It was completed and opened by Geo. C. Savery in the fall of 1863, by whom it was kept several years, when it passed into the management of Fred. C. McCartney. It was closed November 5, 1878, and in 1879 remodeled, refurnished and re-opened by Bogue & Wyman as the Kirkwood House, in honor of the old War Governor, Samuel Kirkwood, May 12, 1879.
In 1865 George W. Jones purchased of H. H. Griffiths the brick building on East Sycamore near Fourth, and in 1869 erected an additional building. The upper stories of the two buildings were arranged for a hotel, and February 15, 1871, was thrown open to the public as the Jones House, the first large and commodious house on the East Side. In 1877 the house was leased to Charles E. Dean, and the name changed to Capital City House.
In 1869 Dr. W. S. Aborn purchased the residence property of B. F., Allen, corner of Court Avenue and West Fourth Street, with the intention of erecting a large medical institution. The plan was subsequently changed to that of a first-class hotel, which was completed, furnished in elaborate style and opened by C. B. Linton May 1, 1873. It afterward passed into the control of G. B. Brown, who died April 26, 1879. May 1, 1880 it passed into the management of Risley & Vail.
Next to the foregoing leading hotels, which are second to none in the West, are the Given House, Gault, Fanning, Morgan, International and Shamrock, on Second, which was originally built in 1854 by Michael McTighe, and rebuilt .in. brick a few years ago in more modern style. . .

COAL MINING.

One of the most valuable resources of Des Moines is its coal beds. Prior to 1865 but very little coal was used in this section. It was gathered here and there in the bluffs along the Des Moines river in wheelbarrows, dumped into wagons, thirty bushels being called a load, without weighing, and the probabilities are that the thirty bushels would never have weighed over twenty-five bushels. In November, 1864, Wesley Redhead organized the first coal company and began the first systematic coal mining. Soon after

708 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

others became interested with him, and in August, 1865, was organized the Des Moines Coal Company, consisting of Wesley Redhead, James M. Starr, William Vincent, B. F. Allen, William Phillips, Hoyt Sherman, John Teesdale, James W. Davis, L. W. Dennis, Frank Butler and E. Sandford. Wesley had been burrowing about in the north part of the city on the old Peet farm and when this company was organized work was carried on more extensively and systematically. A set of Fairbank's scales was procured and the first coal weighed in the city was done by Mr. Redhead. The coal was deposited in " pockets," so called, which quickly became exhausted, requiring frequent removals and changes of location, and in a short time the whole supply became so exhausted as to render further mining in that locality unprofitable.
The subsequent operations of Mr. Redhead have been detailed on page 275. He gradually purchased the interest of the other members of the company, and in 1874 constituted the sole owner. In May of the present year, James P. Clark was admitted as a partner, and the name of the company was changed to Pioneer Coal Company.
In the winter of 1867 was organized the Watson Coal Company, consisting of wealthy Boston capitalists, with Rufus Ford as president. Its capital stock is limited to $200,000. A shaft was sunk east of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad round-house, along beside the railroad track.
In 1867 the Iowa Central Coal Company was organized by A. Y. Rawson and Henry Wightman. A shaft was sunk on School street, West Side, between Fifth and Sixth, which was operated until 1879, when the shaft was abandoned.
In 1872 the Hawkeye Company was organized by W. W. Fink and A. Q. Smith and a shaft sunk north of the city about one mile.
In 1873 the Eclipse Company was organized with T. D. Yoemans as manager. A shaft was sunk just outside the southern limit of the city.
In 1874 R. W. Sypher opened a shaft south of the city, which is now called Polk County Coal Company.
In 1875 Pleasant Hill Company was organized and a shaft sunk south of the. city, on the line of the Winterset Railroad.
In 1875 the Eureka Coal Company was organized and a shaft sunk south of the 'Coon, near the school-house.
There are several other smaller mines operated in the vicinity.
The extent of the coal mining interest of the city has reached a point of considerable importance. The following is the estimated product of the various mines in tons per year:

The amount of capital employed is about $350,000. There are employed about five hundred miners. The bulk of coal now mined here is consumed

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 709

by the railroad companies, who find it to be of superior quality. The opening of railroad communication the present year direct with St. Paul, Minneapolis and Dakota will create a demand for immense quantities of coal, which will serve to further develop and bring to the surface the millions of wealth which lie buried beneath the soil of Polk county. The coal-measure which is now being worked is evidently the lower, which lies at a depth of one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five feet below the surface, hence it is quite apparent that the measures which crop out here are the two upper, and that the lower measure lies much lower than was supposed by the State geologist. In fact, explorations have disclosed a much broader extent of the coal-field, in a northerly direction, than is defined in the State geological report.

MANUFACTURES.

The natural facilities for manufacturing possessed by Des Moines are unsurpassed by any city in the West. Two broad rivers with ample fall, coal underlying the entire city and nearly the entire county, thus furnishing cheap fuel, inviting the intelligent, ambitious manufacturer who will keep pace with the rapidly developing country and the progress of the city which, within ten years has advanced from fifth in rank to first position in the State. It is foreign to the purpose of this book to enter into a detail of every manufacturing establishment in the city. Every branch of industry, nearly, is represented, and to individualize all would swell this volume beyond reasonable space. The leading and most important in point of product are herein mentioned.
Pork Packing.-The packing of pork in Des Moines dates back to 1858, when Rollins & Winters, in a small way, killed about one thousand hogs. They were followed, two years later, by Albert Grefe, who erected a small packing house in the west part of the city.
The same season James Tuttle began packing in the cellar of Sherman Block, on Court Avenue, and in the winter of 1862 Dr. M. P. Turner, James Miller and Martin Winters joined him, and fitted up a packing house on Third street, which is now occupied by Smith & Rollins as part of their grocery. They killed about three thousand hogs, for which they paid $1.91 per hundred pounds, and sold the product at prices which cured all except Tuttle of afterward curing meats. The net profit of their business was $56, or $11.20 for each partner. Those who know Mr. Tuttle are aware that pluck is one of his predominant traits of character. The next season he with his son built a packing-house on Fifth street, on the lot adjoining the Methodist church. Prices for pork ruled low early in the season, but advanced rapidly, the war demand for provisions beginning to make itself felt throughout the country. They killed that season about 3,500 hogs. Simultaneous with them Getchell & Miller, Rawson & Harmon, and Rollins & Winter packed hogs in a small way. In 1863 B. F. Murphy, of Chicago, erected a packing-house south of the city, which for several seasons was used only for preparing dressed hogs for shipment. No packing was done. In 1867 General J. M. Tuttle and his brother Martin purchased Mr. Murphy's interest and made the necessary improvements for packing and curing meat. In 1870 Martin Tuttle retired from the business, and in 1873 Lewis Igo joined General Tuttle, the old packinghouse was demolished, and a new one erected, with a capacity for assassinating 1,500 hogs per day. In 1875 Mr. Igo retired. In 1871 the business

710 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

passed into the hands of the Stowers Packing Company, and in 1873 to J. H. Windsor & Co. Extensive buildings and improvements were made for winter and summer packing. The business is now done by the Des Moines Packing Company, with J. H. Windsor as manager.
In 1869 Murphy & Co. erected a small packing-house, and in 1872 the business was transferred to Joseph Shissler. He was succeeded by W. S. Elsworth, who has made large additions, and is now engaged in packing. The number of hogs packed in 1879--80 was about 100,000, of which the Des Moines Packing Company killed over three-fourths. The amount of money paid farmers for hogs was nearly one million, a large portion of which is a clear gain to the producer over the prices paid when hogs were bought only by shippers, as may be seen in the comparative price of $11.91 per 100 pounds in 1861 and $4.40 at the date of this writing, August 26, 1880.
Among those who early did a packing business was Capt. James Davis, who made a specialty of sugar-cured hams, which attained a high reputation from San Francisco to Boston for their superlative goodness. He was followed by Dennis & Keyes, who continued the reputation established by Mr. Davis, and in 1874 cured 25,000 hams, in a building erected for that purpose on the corner of Vine and West Third streets, now occupied by R. C. Webb & Son as a wholesale grocery house.
The Des Moines Packing Company and the Ellsworth Packing Company are the only houses now in the business; except F. Meek, who is doing an extensive business in curing hams on West Sixth street, and has established a reputation for a most excellent article.
Pork packing is becoming one of the most important industries of Des Moines, and during the packing season gives employment to a large force of men and boys. The boxes are made in the houses, the meats are packed, and mostly shipped direct to Liverpool, England.
Tlee Western Newspaper Union.-Prominent among the business enterprises of Des Moines is what is known as the Western Newspaper Union. Its business is the printing of co-operative or auxiliary newspaper sheets, and the purchase and sale of printers' supplies. It was originally
incorporated January 1, 1873, under the name of "State Printing Company," with Samuel Merrill, P. M. Casady, John A. Elliott, S. F. Spofford and B. F. Gue as incorporators, the limit of capital stock being fixed at $40,000. The first officers were: S. F. Spofford, President; A. R. Fulton,
Secretary; John A. Elliott, Treasurer; and S. F. Spofford, J. H. Brooks, Wesley Redhead, Samuel Merrill and B. F. Gue, Directors.
The company commenced business in January, 1873, with a list of about twenty-five papers.
By a reorganization, February 15, 1876, the name was changed to " Iowa Printing Company." Up to February 15, 1877, the business management was successively in charge of B. F. Gue, H. B. Speed and E. T. Cressey. At the date last mentioned W. E. Andrews became the manager, which position he still retains. During the summer of 1879 the company erected a commodious and substantial business block on Fourth street, in Des Moines, known as " Printing Block," at a cost, including ground, of about $20,000.
On the 11th of June, 1880, the "Western Newspaper Union," with a capital stock of $100,000, became the successor of the Iowa Printing Company, with the principal place of business at Des Moines, and branch

HISTORY OF POLE COUNTY 711

offices at Kansas City, Mo., and Omaha, Neb. The new organization is the successor of three auxiliary printing companies, viz.: Iowa Printing Company, of Des Moines; Kansas City Newspaper Union, Kansas City; and Omaha Newspaper Union, Omaha.
The company is now furnishing auxiliary sheets to about three hundred publishers in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. It uses an average of about four car loads of white print paper monthly, at a monthly cost for the same of about six thousand dollars. The Des Moines house gives employment to from twenty to twenty-five persons, as foremen, compositors, pressmen, etc. The daily transmission of packages from this establishment is no inconsiderable item in the business of the express companies. The product of its large steam-propelled printing presses is steadily increasing, and the "Western Newspaper Union" now ranks among the most substantial and prosperous business enterprises of Iowa.
Plow Factories.-The first plow factory was started by Stanton & Given in 1851, corner of West Third and Vine streets, where the Given House now stands; subsequently the firms became Stanton & Skinner, Skinner & Skinner and in 1859 the firm divided, Skinner Bro's going to Front street. where the American Foundry now is, and Given & Co. retaining the old place. The same year Skinner Bro's erected a large brick building on the corner of West Second and Elm streets, where the first drug store and the Star office stood. They did an extensive business for several years, and in 1879 removed to Second street, north of Locust.
In 1861 Mr. Given disposed of his business to a stock company, which had been organized for that purpose, with H. C. Hargis as president, and known as the Des Moines Plow Company. Increased facilities were added, the business greatly enlarged, and other implements added to the list of manufactures. When Skinner Bro's vacated the premises on Front street they were occupied by Platt & Speith, who still are engaged in the manufacture of plows.
In the fall of 1856 H. N. Heminway started the first iron foundry in the city, on the East Side, and shortly after, the same year, S. J. Loughran started a foundry on the West Side, on the river bank at Locust street, and still continues the business, under the firm name of Loughran & Hillis.
In 1863 Otis & Rollins established the American Foundry, on Front street, adjoining Platt & Speith. The next year Mr. Rollins was succeeded by Joseph Heimer; and in 1866 the foundry was sold to Brooks & Strawbridge; in 1867, Mr. Strawbridge was succeeded by George Lendrum, who, in 1873; was succeeded by William Stein. In 1879 Mr. Brooks died.
In 1872 a corporation was formed and known as the Eagle Iron Works, with George C. Lendrum, President, and D. E. Perkins, Secretary. The works are located on Court Avenue, corner of East Third. The capital stock is $30,000. The business of the corporation is the manufacture of machinery, engines and mill furnishing. One of the best specimens of a horizontal mill engine of 150 horse-power made at these works may be seen at the barbed wire factory on Front street, near Market, West Side.
The first steam boiler works was started by N. S. McDonald, in 1861, on Court Avenue, near the river, and he made the first boiler in the city, which was for the Heminway foundry. It was a hard struggle for the proprietor. There was but a limited demand for boilers, and most of his work was repairing, but as the surrounding country developed the business increased, and Mr. McDonald being a superior workman, received his

712 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

full share. In 1866 he was joined by James Meara, since when the business of the firm has rapidly increased, enlarged buildings and new machinery have been added until the establishment has become one of the best in the State and is crowded to its utmost capacity. During 1879 Mr. Meara, while riveting a boiler, was struck in the eye with a chipping of iron which resulted in the entire loss of sight. He is now represented in the partnership by his wife.
The Des Moines Iron Works, now Capital City Iron Works, as has been stated, were first started by Mr. Heminway; subsequently they passed into the hands of Tidriek & Hippee, in 1860, and various other proprietors until in 1878, they were closed. During the present year they have passed into the control of a new company.
Oil Mil1s.-In September, 1866, W. R. & J. A. Ankeny started the Central Oil Works, corner of East Fifth and Vine streets, for the manufacture of linseed oil from flax-seed. The project at first met with limited success, owing to the disinclination of farmers to raise flax. The firm the first year, with much difficulty, loaned to farmers 450 bushels of seed, making at the same time a contract to take their entire crop of seed at a certain price per bushel, the farmer therefore running no risk except the uncertainty of the crop. The venture was a success, and now they have no trouble in finding customers for 40,000 bushels of seed. The business has increased each year, additions have been made until now the buildings occupied are 51x127 feet, three stories high, with basement. They consume nearly 100,000 bushels of seed annually, producing over 600 gallons of oil and over six tons of oil cake per day. The cake is principally sent to Europe, where it is used for feeding live stock, the superlative value of which Western farmers have not yet learned. The oil is shipped East and South, and sales are limited only by the capacity of the works. Experience has proved flax-seed to be one of the most certain and profitable crops cultivated in Iowa.
In 1873 works were started on the East Side for the manufacture of gunny bags, etc., from flax straw; but soon after, Congress abolished the duty on Jute, so that Western manufacturers could not compete with those of the East, and the business was abandoned. Subsequently, in 1875, George W. Werum fitted the buildings for the manufacture of linseed oil, and has since continued the business, consuming about 35,000 bushels of seed annually.
Millwrights.-In 1879 Johnson & Jarrett started business as millwrights and contractors, on Court Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, East Side, and are doing a heavy business in erecting mills and elevators, and furnishing the necessary machinery for the same, thus adding a new and important industry to the city.
Planing Mills.--The first planing mill was started by Gilcrest Bros. on the East Side, corner of First and Market, which was burned in 1869. In 1865 A. J. Jack & Co. started a planing mill on Market street, near West Fifth, which was sold to Carver & Young. In 1869 the mill was burned, and immediately was erected the present mill. New machinery was added and the business largely increased, extending over Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. The entire inside woodwork, windows, doors, etc., of the Union Pacific depot at Council Bluffs was done at this mill. Their business now embraces everything in the woodwork line, and has become very extensive.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 713

Some of the finest dwellings, churches, banks and stores in the West have been furnished at this establishment.
School Furniture.-In March, 1867, Rankin & Roberts organized the Iowa School Furniture Company, and began operations on the East Side. In January, 1874, the business passed into the hands of a new company, with F. A. Percival as President and Tyler Scoville as Secretary. A large factory has been erected on Court Avenue, East Side, and the business is yearly increasing, extending throughout Iowa and adjoining States. They have the exclusive manufacture of the Climax desk, covered by the Roberts patent; also, make a large variety of school, church, office and bank furniture.
Scales. In 1872 the Des Moines Scale Company was organized, with F. R. West, President, S. F. Spofford, Vice-President, George A. Jewett, Secretary, and Wesley Redhead, Treasurer, under which management it continued until 1874, when the establishment was leased to Dickerson, Berry & Sargent. In 1875 Wm. Dickerson became the sole lessee. In 1876 a new company was formed, Mr. Dickerson continuing as manager. The business of the company is the manufacture of the Des Moines scale, Fairbanks scale, Storm King wind-mill, and Hawkeye butter worker. In 1880 the company was reorganized as the Union Scale Company, and though one of the youngest, promises to be one of the most successful. It is under the management of L. D. Berry and John M. England. The latter gentleman was for twenty-one years the foreman of the Fairbanks Scale Company of Chicago, and brings to this business the best of qualifications. The company is now employing about twelve hands, and is running extra hours to fill orders. They are making a scale, invented and patented in 1879 by L. D. Berry, which is constructed upon a new system entirely, avoiding the check rod, which has been a serious objection with all other scales, and which inventors for twenty-five years have vainly striven to overcome. It is claimed the economy of space, perfection, durability and low price will insure it a leading place among scales, and give to Des Moines another large and profitable business.
Marble Works.-The first marble workers in the city were Monroe & Kinsey and Fox & Boydston most extensive works in the city at present are the Des Moines Marble Company's, corner of West Seventh and Locust streets, and I. N. Webster's, on Walnut, corner of West Sixth.
Monuments, mantels and tablets are manufactured from American and foreign marble and granite. Mr. Webster established his business in 1873. The Des Moines Marble Works were established in 1879, and are operated by a wealthy company, of whom A. G. Stein is President and F. P. Sawyer Secretary.
Brick.-The manufacture of brick has been co-extensive with the town, and the manufacture has increased remarkably. There are not less than 23,000,000 made each year. The principal makers are S. A. Robertson, Conrad Youngerman, Frank Genezer, Wm. R. Close, E. D. Janes, Lewis Hyland, N. B. Cooley, Morris & Daugherty and W. G. Bragg.
Breweries.-The first brewery was established in 1855, by Joseph and George Hierb, which is now known as the City Brewery, located on Seventh street. The National Brewery was established in 1858 by Kappes & Reinig, and is now known as the Munzenmeier. It is located in the south part of the city. Union Brewery was established by A. Aulman in 1865,

714 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

on Elm street, West Side. In 1866 John Kinsley established a brewery near the water-works, and in 1867 Mattes Bros. established a brewery on East Locust street, which consumes 3,400 bushels of grain and makes 1,700 barrels of beer per annum. The manufacture of ale has assumed large proportions, and become an important item in the traffic of the city.
Carriages.-The large manufactories of the East and West have so supplied the city with their work that manufacturers with limited capital have deemed it unwise to attempt to compete here. Yet there are establishments which are doing a lucrative business in supplying local demands. The first carriage made in the city was by O. W. Munsell, and F. R. West was the purchaser. Mr. Munsell started business in 1867, and for several years had an extensive trade in fine carriages, but has now practically closed the business. John Wilson, on Seventh street, has a factory, and is manufacturing some of the finest vehicles to be found in any market.
Scale Works.-In 1872 the Des Moines Scale Company was organized, with F. R. West, President; S. F. Spofford, Vice-President; George A. Jewitt, Secretary. Business was commenced on East First street, near Walnut. In 1874 the works were leased to William Dickerson, L. D. Berry and George M. Sargent. In 1875 Mr. Dickerson became sole manager, having purchased nearly all the stock of the company. In the present year a new company was organized as the Union Scale Company, for the manufacture of a scale invented by L. D. Berry, possessing important and valuable features not found in any other scale made. The business of the company is increasing rapidly, already exceeding the capacity of the works, and will in a few years become one of the most extensive and profitable of any manufacturing interest in the city.
Mills.-The first mill erected in the city was by W. H. Meacham, on the East Side in 1847, near where Carpenter's Woolen Mill now is. Its motive power was a dilapidated horse. Subsequently, in 1849, J. S. Dean erected a steam flour mill on the same site, to which was added, by N. P. Jordan a woolen mill. They were burned in 1877. In 1849 B. F. Allen and C. C. Van built a saw mill south of 'Coon river, near the bridge, which is :now in ruins.
In 1849 Edward and Edwin Hall were granted a permit to erect a dam across Des Moines river and keep the same in repair for fifty years. The license was fixed at twenty-five dollars. They built the dam and erected a flour mill, which is still in operation, and known as the Empire Mills, and is the only water-mill in the city. It is operated by Serrin & Fairbanks.
The Farmer's Mill was erected by Daniel Stutsman, and operated as a woolen mill on East Fifth street. It passed to Skinner Bros., who changed it to a plow factory. It subsequently was changed to a hominy mill by Wheeler, Henry & Depew. Subsequently, Williams & Keeler added a flour mill. In 1879 the flour mill passed into the hands of W. P. Gulick as the Exchange Mill, and J.D. Williams moved the hominy mill to 413-15 Court Avenue.
In 1873 D. A. Tyrrell built the Eagle Flour Mill on West Second street, corner of Vine, a three story brick, with a capacity of 50,000 bushels of wheat per annum.
In 1865 the Capital Mills, brick, three stories high, were built on West Elm and Third, with a capacity of one hundred bushels per day.
The second woolen mill erected in the city was in 1860, by N. P. Jordan. In 1866 the mill passed, to Shepard & Perrior. The mill was burned in

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 715

1877, and rebuilt in 1878, and in 1879 passed to W. W. Carpenter. The capacity of the mill is two hundred pounds of wool per day, making the finest cloth, blankets and yarns to be found in any market.
In April, 1879, H. R. Heath erected the first oat-meal mill in the
It has a capacity now of five hundred barrels of meal per day. The first year's business found an elevator necessary in which to store oats, and the present year one was erected with a capacity of 250,000 bushels. The meal is of superior quality, made from oats dried by steam heated air. So popular already is the product of this mill its meal finds a ready market in Scotland and all parts of the East.
Tinware.-Probably the largest manufactory of tinware west of Chicago, is that of Mason & Company, on Third street, established in 1872. The firm also manufacture for wholesale trade, Mason's patent stove-pipe, which is rapidly becoming an immense business.
Tannery.-During the present year, Percival & Company have established a tannery at 311 East Locust, using the Doty method of tanning, which is destined to become an important feature in the business enterprises of the city.
Soap. Rich & Co. during the resent year have established a soap factory at 313 East Locust street, and manufacture every kind of soap for family use.
Abestine Stone. In 1875 Conrad Youngerman began the manufacture of abestine, or artificial, stone, on West fifth street to supply a want among builders, owing to scarcity of natural stone. It is used mostly for caps and sills of doors and windows. Several of the finest building fronts in the city are composed of this material entire, which increases in durability with age, and there is a large demand for it. In 1879 he sold out to J. A. Lewis. In 1878 D. P. Pence began the manufacture of artificial stone by a different process, and both establishments are increasing in business each year.
Stone Pipe. In 1875 Street & Hillis began the manufacture of carbonated stone pipe at the corner of West Seventh and Vine streets. The product consists of drain and sewer pipe, chimneys and chimney caps.
Pottery.-The largest and most expensive pottery in the city was erected in 1875 on West Elm street by J. T. Stetson and called the Des Moines Pottery. A large business is done, limited only. by the capacity of the ovens. There are two smaller potteries, one on the East Side at the corner of Fourth and Lyon streets, and the Eagle Pottery, on West First street, corner of Willow street.
Book-making.--The oldest publishing house in the city, having been founded in 1856, is that of Mills. & Co. Its growth and prosperity has been remarkable. From a small office, doing transient job printing, it has become one of the largest publishing houses in the West. In 1869 lithographing was added, in 1874 stereotyping, thus enabling it to compete successfully with older Eastern houses. It has turned out some of the finest specimens of book-making in the county. It is doing a heavy business in law book making, printing the Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Illinois Supreme Court Reports, together with a large number of law text-books on various subjects. About one hundred persons are employed. Map and music printing are also among its specialties.
The publishing house of Carter & Hussey was established in 1864 on Court Avenue, with a small beginning. Soon larger quarters were neces-

716 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

sary and a fine brick building was erected on West Walnut street. Books and stationery were added to their trade, and they are now doing an extensive business, principally in county and township office supplies.
Sirup Refinery.-In August, 1879, was organized the Des Moines Sirup Refinery Company, with G. M. Hippee, Ira Cook, D. O. Eshbaugh, Charles W. Eaton, J. H. Merrill and E. W. Stanton as incorporators. Its capital is $50,000. The business of the company is the manufacture of Sirup and sugar or glucose from corn. A large factory was erected on West Vine street, and work began in January, 1880, but during the present summer citizens protested to the Board of Health against the offensive odor and noxious gases thrown off from the establishment and the works were closed. The company have secured a location in the east part of the city, and will at once erect larger and more complete works, with a capacity to consume 1,500 bushels of corn per day, thus affording a good market for what Iowa produces a good deal of.
Barbed Wire.--In 1875 George C. Baker began to put in practical shape original ideas of a machine for making barbed wire. The result was a successful machine, which became patented, and he began to make fence with two machines by hand in a shop on the East Side. In November, 1879, a stock company was formed, with a capital of $100,000, lots were purchased on West Front street, near Vine, and a factory 132 feet square erected. Eight machines are now used, and four kinds of fence wire made. Over four car loads of fence per week are made, and the factory is unable to supply the demand. Another fence is also made there called the thornstay-fence, which consists of wooden pickets, one inch square, about four feet long, with hook eyes in the end. Through the pickets are forced at frequent spaces straight pointed barbs. The business of the factory is managed by Mr. Baker, H. A. Noble and W. Coffin.
Furniture.-The oldest and largest furniture establishment in the city is that of L. Harbach on Second and Third streets, West Side. From a small shop in 1856 with one workman, it has grown to immense proportions. Its sales amount to $250,000 annually. A more detailed account of this house appears on page 815.
The house of Merrill & Keeney, 314 Walnut street, carry a stock of about $50,000 a year. William Lotz, 213 Court Avenue, Patterson & Peel, East Locust, also do considerable business in this line.
Galvanized Iron Cornice.-In 1876 Comparet & Stark began the manufacture of galvanized iron cornice and store fronts, since when the business has so increased as to demand larger facilities, and the addition of considerable machinery. Their business extends extensively throughout the State. .
Brass Works.-In 1874 Hill & Tetley added a very important industry to Des Moines factories in establishing the Northwestern Brass Works and supplied a want which had been seriously felt by machinists and iron workers. The works furnish brass work of all kinds and is prosperous.
Steam Bakery.-The first steam bakery was started on West Second street in 1878 by John Robesky. Soon after W. T. Garton became a partner and continued the business as sole proprietor until the present year, when he sold to Park & Balcom.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 717

PUBLIC HALLS.

To W. W. Moore, one of the oldest merchants in the city, the people are indebted for the elegant and commodious Opera House, corner of West Fourth and Walnut streets, which was built in 1873. This was followed by Foster's Academy of Music, on Walnut, near Exposition Building, costing over $23,000. Lewis' Opera House, on the East Side, erected in 1878, is a large and finely appointed hall, and divides the honors with those of the West Side.

WHOLESALE HOUSES.

The wholesale trade is increasing rapidly. The following houses do an extensive business in this line: R. C. Webb & Son wholesale over $800; 000 a year; Hewitt Bros., Watt & Cochran, grocers; White & Co., E. M. Ford, furnishing goods and notions; Stewart & Co., oil and crockery; Rollins & Langan, paper and twine; Mason & Co., tinware and stove-pipe; Mitchell, Bartlett & Crane, drugs; A. A. Brown, crackers; H. Marcy & Co., confection; Lederer, Strauss & Co., millinery and fancy goods. Of the wholesale dealers who have a retail department are, L. Harbach, furniture, whose wholesale trade is over $100,000 per annum; J. D. Seeberger, hardware, over $300,000; W. K. Bird, Isaac Kuhn, dry goods; L. H. Bush, Weaver & Maish, Wm. Baker, C. H. Ward, drugs; Comparet & Stark, George C. Baker & Co., hardware; N. W. Hunter, and W. A. Reed, harness and saddlery ware; Perkins & Gray, crockery; Redhead & Wellslager, paper, books and stationery, whose sales of wall paper last year were fifth in amount of all sold in the United States, outside the factories, which is something to boast of in a city not twenty-five years from its wigwam period, isolated for two decades from railroads and surrounded by undeveloped country.

THE CITY.

From Taylor Pierce, who was an old trader among the Fox and Sac Indians before white people came to Des Moines, and who spoke their language fluently, the writer gathers the following:
The Indian name for the locality now Des Moines was called Ase-po-16, which means Raccoon. The river was called Ase-po-16-sepo, sepo meaning river.
Des Moines river was called Keosauqua, always, from its source to its mouth. The word means dark, black, inky. As the Indians usually hunted along its banks in the fall, the water of the river then had that appearance, and was caused by the drainage from the prairies which had been burned over, and were covered with charred, blackened debris of .grass and weeds. Taylor says he once met a band of Fox Indians one hundred miles north from Des Moines, who were hunting, and asking them which way they were going they answered " up Keosauqua-sepo "; so that the word always signified the river now called Des Moines. This latter incident, and from his familiar acquaintance with the Fox and Sac Indians, he does not agree with Judge Negus, and others, that Keosauqua applied to the big bend in the river at the point where the town of Keosauqua now is; -for if so, why did the Indians call the river Keosauqua-sego one hundred miles north, and at the Raccoon Forks. If coming to Des Moines their answer was: Posse puckachee ase-po-16.

718 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY

Mr. Pierce also says, the Iowa river took its name from a small tribe of Indians known as the Kiowas, who went out, or were driven out, from the Winnebagoes, in the north. The word "Kiowa" signified going over. They were driven across a river by the Foxes and Sacs, and were by them called Kiowas. The river was called Ki-o-wa-sepo, or the river which was crossed over; and the locality where the Sacs and Foxes crossed the river was always designated as Posse (pony), puckachee (travel), Ki-o-wa (place), sepo (river), or where their ponies crossed the river. The word "Kowa" always signified crossing, or going over. The State took its name from that river, and has been corrupted to its present orthography, without adding to its euphony.
Geographically, Des Moines is in longitude 16 degrees, 43 minutes, 5 seconds, latitude 41 degrees, 35 minutes, and is nearly five hundred feet above low water mark on the Mississippi river at Keokuk. Two large rivers with eight feet fall unite within the city, from the confluence of which stretches a beautiful plateau half a mile north and west, skirted with undulating bluffs, rising to a point one hundred and seventy-seven feet as the maximum above the datum line, thus securing a thorough surface drainage for the entire city and rendering its mortality list remarkably small. In 1877, with a population of over 18,000, the deaths were but 224, or less than 1 22-100. The population for 1880 is 26,696. The deaths for 1879 were 271, or less than one and one-half per cent of the population.
Des Moines is yet young in years. Its future, in the light of the past, is promising and bright. It has already passed two perilous stages of existence-the "wigwam " and "manifest destiny." Its dwellings and their surroundings are luxurious, tasteful and ornamental. The people have learned that the most successful thing is success, and that fortune helps those most who help themselves. Centralizing as is its location, surrounded by no other overshadowing town or city for a radius of one hundred miles, possessing natural advantages and facilities had by no other city in the State, all these would not make a city without the aid and co-operation of her own citizens. The first step was wisely taken. It secured the central point of the railroad system of the State and that determined her future greatness, for the means of distribution being supplied, manufactures will increase and commerce enlarge. There are few who are aware of the extent of the commerce of the city now. In 1879 it amounted to the following:

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 719

This does not include any of the various manufactories in the city, nor the packing houses, which alone do a business of over one million a year.
Already the wholesale trade has made remarkable progress. What is needed is more manufactories. Capital is always timid, but this will come. Des Moines sits in the center of a territory the richest in the world. Her two broad rivers, her inexhaustible underlying beds of coal, the rapidly developing country and surrounding towns will invite and assure capital. Des Moines, ten years ago the fifth in rank among the cities of the State, has marched to the front as the metropolis of a commonwealth, " the Massachusetts in her care of education; the new Kentucky in her fine cattle; the new Georgia in the number of her hogs; the new Illinois in the extent of her corn-fields; the new New York in the volume of her wheat; the new Sparta in the bravery of her soldiers; the new Ireland in her gallantry to woman; the new Scotland in her reverence for Deity; the new New England in her straightforwardness; the new Germany in her thrift, surpassing all her prototypes.

The book from this point to page 732 consists of a poem does not in my opinion provide information of interest to a researcher in genealogy. I have left these pages out of the file.

732 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY

EARLY REMINISCENCES

The second stock of drugs was brought to Des Moines by Billy Moore, who occupied a store where Given & Carpenter's plow shop now stands. Billy furnished the money, and a Dr. Saunders ran the store. He marked all the bottles and goods in plain figures, and told Billy, who attended the store occasionally when the Dr. was called away, that the prices meant so much an ounce, and if a customer wanted an ounce of a liquid, to take an ounce vial and fill it. One day a man wanted eight ounces of quicksilver. Billy hurried about, hunted an eight ounce vial, filled it with quicksilver, remarking it was " danged heavy stuff" There was a big trade that day and Billy was proud. The Doctor came home, glanced over the shelves, and espying the nearly empty quicksilver bottle, exclaimed:
" Where is all that quicksilver? "
" Sold it," said Billy, " eight ounce bottle full for eight ounces."
"Thunder," replied the Dr. " eight ounces! Why, it was over eight pounds."
At another time a man wanted a pound of common soda. Billy looked at the price, and according to instructions that everything was marked for

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 733

ounces, he charged the man one dollar and a half for the pound of soda which cost five cents.
A marriage had been celebrated in March prior, but the license was obtained from another county, so that it was not strictly and wholly a Des Moines marriage.
The first pair of shoes made in Des Moines was constructed by Isaac Cooper. Though not a disciple of St. Crispin, he ventured the task. Winter was coming on, his children's feet were bare, shoemakers and leather were scarce. From the discarded saddles of the garrison officers he got the leather from which he made the shoes, and he has often declared to the writer hereof that he has not since purchased a more durable pair of shoes than those.
The first barber started the tonsorial art March 15, 1850. His name was John Chalmers, a Scotchman, and an intelligent and very popular man. He was attempting to fill his lamps one evening with camphene, when it exploded, burning him horribly, He was carried into the house of John Hays, who lived where Reed's leather store is, on Walnut, where he died.
The pioneer settlers were much annoyed by wolves. The dense hazel brush furnished them a good cover to approach the settlement. To rid themselves of the pests a hunt was organized, at which there was a big turn out with every sort and kind of weapon. A large circle was formed, which gradually became smaller as they advanced. When they arrived at the designated central point where the wolves were to be slaughtered, the circle was conspicuous for its crookedness and numerous gaps. In the excitement of the chase several hunters had got "shot in the neck" and took a rest under some convenient tree. The terrified wolves all escaped through the gaps. Farmers frequently pursued them on horseback and killed them with clubs. John Hays says he killed two one Christmas day, when he was going to Saylorville on horseback. He had no gun or club. He loosed one stirrup from the saddle and with it killed the wolves as he went.
The first shoemaker was Nat. Campbell, brother of Dr. James Campbell. His shop was made of logs and stood where Chandler & Ewing's lumber yard now is. He opened his shop in 1845 and the old settlers say he was a good cobbler.
The early settlers were frequently troubled to get flour and meal. They were obliged to go to Fairfield, and Mahaska county to mill, a trip which often required weeks, owing to the condition of the road and to high water. Mr. Cooper says he once went to Oskaloosa to get corn, took it to Parmelee's mill, on Middle river. The river was high, there were no bridges, and he floated his corn across the river on logs, and waited over night, sleeping in his wagon, for his corn to be ground. Arriving at Des Moines, he sold his corn-meal at two dollars a bushel. It was not an uncommon occurrence to be obliged to wait several weeks at the mills for grain to be ground. The settlers would get out of flour and meal at home, and were obliged to pound corn into meal in a log hollowed out for that purpose.
"Uncle" David Norris says he, in the fall of 1848, went to Bonaparte, in Van Buren county, with a yoke of oxen for a load of flour. He returned with a full load. Everybody was out of flour and had no money. He loaned the whole, the Hoxie House, which stood where Harbach's furniture store is, taking a good supply, and most of the entire load has never been repaid. That winter was the "big snow," which was succeeded in the spring by a big freshet. Des Moines was nearly all under water. That

734 HISTORY OF POLK 00UNTY.

spring a man came to Des Moines from Iowa City and set up a butcher shop on the West Side. Mr. Holcomb was the owner of a dozen sheep which ran at large on the commons. One morning they were missing, and could not be found. The next day Mr. Holcomb went to the new butcher shop to get meat, and, seeing a good supply of mutton, was pleased and invested liberally. While waiting to be served he discovered his sheep bell hanging in the shop, which solved the problem of his missing sheep; but the bell was all he could swear to, and that was all he saved from his twelve sheep.
At a large picnic, held in 1849, there was but one loaf of wheat bread, all other bread being made from corn.
It is generally admitted among the early settlers that the first persons who came to Des Moines were William Lamb and Benjamin Bryant. They came in advance to make preparation for the removal of the Indians from Wapello Agency to the agency here. Bryant subsequently became a trader, and, having extensive acquaintance with the Indians, did an extensive trade with them. He was accustomed to give them credit and take their notes, which were written in a book and made payable in skins after a certain number of moons. They would make their mark for a signature, and Ben frequently said they never failed to pay when the moons were up. He never lost a dollar on their notes. The old book in which is recorded the names of all the Indians who lived about here is still in existence. Mr. Bryant died December 28, 1866.
As to the first settlers, William Cooper says: "About the tenth or twentieth of May, 1843, the two Scotts (T. B. and A. J.), the Lamb boys, Alex. Turner and family crossed Camp Creek about four miles above Tom Mitchell's old place, then crossed Four Mile Creek between Cooper's Grove
(now so called) and Thornton's and struck what is known as Agency Prairie, high up. Turner's family was the first family to come into the county. John Scott and Turner left their wagons at Camp Creek to find Raccoon Forks and then came to the wagons on Agency rairie and piloted them into the Forks. Phelps had an Indian guide. He stopped at Camp Creek, below the other crowd, and got to the Forks the next night. The other crowd got in the next morning. There were then six soldiers at the garrison, with tents and provisions brought up by a steamboat. All pitched in putting up cabins, and it is hard to tell who got their cabins up first. It was either Scott or Lamb who broke the first furrow. The corn was planted as they plowed. Lamb sowed the first wheat and oats and the crop was good. Outside of the attaches of the garrison, Peter Newcomer built the
first cabin, in 1844."
Mr. Newcomer in putting up his cabin, for lack of a stove-pipe, constructed one of bark, which took fire one day and came very near causing the destruction of his home.
The first post-office at Des Moines was designated by the department at Washington as "Raccoon River." Prior to that letters were sent from Keokuk and the river towns by persons who happened to be coming to the " Forks." The post-office was established in April, 1846, and Josiah Smart was appointed postmaster. He declined, and Dr. T. K. Brooks was appointed .
A. D. Jones writes to the Old Settlers' Association: "Having acted formerly in the capacity of postmaster, I was solicited to assist in opening the first regular mail, April 1, 1846. Dr. Brooks took the key and opened

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 735

the mail to obtain his bond and commission. Jeremiah Church and Peter Newcomer signed his bond and I swore him into office. The mail was wet. I wrote the first two letters that started out in the mail. The mail arrived very Wednesday and departed Thursday at six o'clock."
The mail was brought on horseback. January, 1847, P. M. Casady succeeded Dr. Brooks as postmaster and the name of the post-office was changed to Fort Des Moines. Judge Casady says he carried the mail in his hat and when he met a person who had a letter in the post-office, delivered it to them. January 1, 1849, R. L. Tidrick succeeded Mr. Casady, and the following spring Hoyt Sherman was appointed by President Taylor. Mr. Sherman evidenced his thoroughly methodical manner in all his business transactions, by a set of well-kept accounts; Below is the balance sheet of his account for his entire term: Hoyt Sherman, Postmaster Fort Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, in account with the United States.

1849 DEBIT.

736 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

1849 CREDIT

The post-office was kept in the rear of a log building on Second street, a cut of which is herein published, as the first post-office in Des Moines. Quite as much in contrast is it with the elegant stone structure of the present time, as is the business of the post-office then and now. From Postmaster John Beckwith the following statistics were obtained: The total number of pieces of mail matter originating at Des Moines post-office during the first seven days of November, 1879, was:

The receipts, expenditures and net revenues of the office for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, were:

736a

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 737

There are employed seven carriers and two auxiliaries to deliver mail. There are employed in the office nine clerks, and there is one branch office on the East Side. No city in the State can show a larger and more rapid increase in the postal business, which is one of the surest indications of the refinement and intelligence of a people.
There is a rich fund of reminiscences stored away in the memories of the early settlers relating to the courts. The dispensers of justice were usually uncouth, often illiterate and primitive in their notions. One of the most eccentric characters was Judge McFarland, notice of whom has already been made. His circuit embraced nearly the whole northwest part of the State. He was holding court in the Presbyterian church in Guthrie in 1858. The Grand Jury was brought before him to receive the charges of the court: The Judge was "full," as usual. Straightening himself up, he said:
"Gentlemen of the jury. You will (hic) find the law of Iowa, in the laws ___of Iowa. It is your (hic) duty, gentlemen, to see that the said (hic) law is obeyed, and that it is not violated. You are made (hic), gentleman, a body to inquire into every breach (hic) of the law, and to do this you're duty sworn (hic), sworn-sworn. Mr. Roberts, you will (hic) indict every man in the (hic) world. And, Mr. Clerk (hic), you will (hic) let Mr. Roberts have all the (hic) books in the world. You will retire, gentlemen, to your (hic). Adjourn the Court, Mr. (hic) (hic) Sheriff, to one (hic) o'clock."
At another time he charged a Grand Jury in Boone county, in like manner, down as far as inquiring into breaches of the laws. His attention had previously been called to unlawful sales of whisky in that county. The Judge, therefore, determined the majesty of the law must be maintained, and he charged the jury that they must inquire into the unlawful sale of liquors, and if they had probable cause to believe that liquor had been unlawfully sold by the dram they must make a presentment to the court, and, said he, "for your instruction (hic) I will say that a dram (hic) of whisky is a (hic) mule's ear full."
At another time, in the old court-house in Des Moines, Dan. Finch was defending a prisoner, whom we will call Jones. He was convicted, whereupon the Judge sentenced him to jail for a term and to pay a fine. Dan. arose, and suggested to the court that she had made a mistake. The penalty fixed by the statute was a fine or imprisonment. The Judge looked Dan. square in the face, and pointing through a window to the jail, yelled out: "Daniel, do you see that building over there. Well, take your seat." Dan. squatted, and smiled as he nursed his professional wrath. The next morn when court opened the Judge said: "Mr. Sheriff, bring up Mr. Jones." Mr. Jones was brought in, to the surprise of Dan., who could not imagine what was to come next with his client. "Mr. Jones," said the Judge, "I have concluded to change your sentence to imprisonment, and remit the fine; for if I fine you and let you go I'll be d -d if I should know where to find you when I wanted you."
From "Uncle" David Morris,
who was for several years the bailiff of his court in Des Moines, and who could fill a score of pages, several amusing incidents have been gathered.
At one time a man named Rain was arrested for stealing six hundred dollars from Taylor Pierce. He was brought into court, Dan. Finch and M. M. Crocker appearing as counsel for defendants. The Judge turned them over to the grand jury, after trial, and told them to retire to their

738 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

room to consider their verdict. Just at this juncture Finch laid on the Judge's table some instructions he wanted given the jury. "Hold on, jury," said the Judge; " wait a minute." He glanced over the instructions, when he said, " Go on, gentlemen, to your room. He is guilty as h-."
The jury returned a verdict of "Guilty," when the Judge sent the man up for five years. Dan. immediately made a motion of some kind, whereupon the Judge said, " Daniel, do you see that blue house (the jail) over there. Sit down, or I'll send you there in five minutes." That night Rain broke jail, and the next morning Dan. facetiously filed a motion with the clerk for the arrest of the Judge for helping the prisoner to escape.
At another time Mrs. Dailey, who married a man named Mitchell, who deserted her and went to California, filed a petition for divorce. Judge McKay was her lawyer, who presented the case in the most graphic terms of desertion. Judge McFarland heard the arguments of counsel and considered the matter, Judge McKay standing near him waiting his decision, which came in this wise: " Here, Judge, take your decree, and call her Mrs. Dailey hereafter, but put her against the first chance she gets."
Everybody in Des Moines knows Mr. Milner, the vegetable man, who lives in the north part of the city. He went into court one day with his hat on. The Judge ordered the bailiff to arrest him. When he informed the court that he was a Quaker, and always wore his hat in meetings, " Well, sit down, then, with your hat on," said the Judge. It was not long before Milner forgot his Quaker principles, took off his hat, and laid it aside. The Judge discovered it, and sharply said," Mr. Quaker, put your hat on, and keep it on." Milner obeyed, and to this day he gets mad whenever he thinks of it.
At another time Barlow Granger started to leave the court-room with his hat on. The Judge ordered the Sheriff to arrest, and bring him back, and as he reached Barlow, gave him the cue. Barlow wheeled about and marched straight up to the Judge with his hat on.
" Didn't you know you were in contempt of court for wearing your hat in the court-room?" said the Judge.
"My religious principles are such," said Barlow, " I never take off my hat except in the presence of my maker and to sleep. I am a Friend."
"Friend of what?" said "Mac."
"I'm a Quaker," said Barlow.
"Oh! a Quaker, are you? Well, take your seat, Mr. Quaker, and keep your d-d hat on if you want to," ordered the court.
The Judge died at Boone in 1863, a victim of his bibulous habits. He was a good Judge. His decisions were sound, and rarely reversed by the Supreme Court. With all his rough exterior, he possessed a kind heart and generous nature.
The early justices of the peace in Des Moines afford abundant amusement to the historian. Their records are some of them really curiosities. Witness the following:
"adison Cave
V. S.
"parry ware, in a ple of a debt on a note of hand of five dollars and 17-1/2 Cent. Summons Ishued on the 2 deCember 1847. Summons Returned on the 9 deCember, 1847. the 9 day set for trial and the defendent did not

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 739

appear. therefore Judgement is rendered by default for five dollars and 17-1/2 Cents and Costs of Sute this 9 deCember 1847.
_____JP
December 24, 1847.
exeCution on the above Judgment the 24 was ishued. exeCution Returned on the 15 Januer and no property found whereon to levy. .
____J. P.
"Mortain Monahan
V. S.
"Adeson MiChel in a ple of debt on an open a Count of twelve dollars and fifty Cents Summons Ishued on the 21 day of Febary 1849 and Returned on the 1 day of March, 1849, and the plantf appeared and then did not appeare and the cause being fully heard and it appeared that the defendant haS been duly Surved with prosess. tharefore Judgment is Rendered for the plentiff for twelve dollars and fifty cents and costs taxed at $1.67-3/4
"this first of MarCh, A. D. 1849.
"_____ J. P."
The following case shows a novel feature in criminal practice:
"State of iowa
Vs.
"Charles Myers in this caus the Defendant not put on his trial as it appeared that there would not be eny evedence against him.
"____J. P."
In the docket of Joseph Deford the first case entered is, to-wit:
"James Cammel and Crews
VS.
"david harman
"in ple of debt on a note of hand of three dollars sixteen cents, tharefore the said harman came on the 8 day of October and Confessed Judgement on the above named note, and Judgement is rendered in favor of the Said Cammel and Crews for three dollars and sixteen cents this 8 October 1847, by me.
"J. DEFORD J P."
The Esquire evidently run a corner grocery, for in the back part of his record is a record of store accounts, a few items of which are herein transferred that the prices of those days may be compared with the present:
"July 9, 1844, John W.McCasker, 8 yds calico, 25c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00
" John Roberson, 3 yards calico . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ..75
" Wm. Nickels, 16 yds. calico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
" John B. Nicewander, 1 bush. corn . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .1.00
Later, when the town had become a little more enlightened and accesssions had been made to the bar, the following case gained considerable notoriety and created not a little amusement:
William Oakes was a busy, speculative genius, who, somehow, through intent or forgetfulness, had numerous little balances of accounts unpaid among his neighbors, among whom were Reuben Davis and Wyatt Brown-

740 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

lee. One day Oakes went to Boone on business, when Davis brought an attachment suit against him, before Madison Young. Judgment was rendered against Oakes, execution issued, a cow was attached, and sold by the constable to W. D. Corkeram, for sixteen dollars. When Oakes returned he went to Hon. Curtis Bates for counsel. The cow was replevined on a writ issued by Esquire McClelland, and returned to Oakes, on the ground that the cow was exempt from execution. Corkeram was therefore minus the money he had paid for the cow, and to recover it he brought an action against Davis, who had attached the cow, and Brownlee, who was a witness in the attachment suit before Young . The following is a copy of the account on which the action was base

" FEB. 21st, 1853.
" Reuben Davis and Wyatt Brownlee,
" To Wm. D. Corkeram, Dr.:
" To cash paid for cow at constable's sale . . . . . . . . . . .  $16.00
" costs of suit before Wm. McClelland, Esq .. . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00
" keeping cow four weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
" expenses in prosecuting and defending suits . . . . .. . . . 15.00
                                                                                               $40.00
Madison Young appeared as counsel for Corkeram; Bates and Jewett appeared for Davis and Brownlee, the defendants. To Corkeram's petition, asking for judgment, Davis made answer as follows:
 "Wm. D. CORKERAM |
                                    vs | Before W. McClelland, a Justice of the Peace, within
 "REUBEN DAVIS and | and for the township of Des Moines, Polk county, and State of
"WYATT BROWNLEE. | Iowa.

The separate answer of Reuben Davis to a petition filed against him in the above Suit:

"And for answer in said plaintiffs account, or petition first specified, defendant says: That the defendant never was a constable, nor a deputy; nor did he ever officiate as one; nor did he ever directly or indirectly sell, bargain or contract, to sell, bargain or convey to said plaintiff any cow, bull, calf, steer, or any other animal of that species, either as constable, deputy constable, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or in the character of any other officer, either judicial, ministerial or executive, or as a private person for himself or anybody else, either as principal or agent.

" And though said cow might have been sold
And paid for in American gold;
Yet this defendant never did,
Ever sell, or take another's bill.

"And as to the second count in said plaintiff's account or petition specified, this defendant, for answer, says: That he never was chosen either as plaintiff or defendant, in any suit at law, or equity, which was tried before

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 741

said justice of the peace, and if he ever was a party it was bold-faced meanness and transparent folly, not to inform him of it.

"And that a suit could e'er be tried,
And the parties never notified,
Is clearly wrong; and this court sees
That we are not liable for the fees.

And as to the third charge in plaintiff s account or petition specified, defendant for answer says: That he never employed said plaintiff to keep a cow for him; that he paid him for all the keeping of cows that he ever did for this defendant; and lastly, that this defendant never had any cow that
plaintiff could have kept.

"And why this-defendant should be dunned
For keeping of cows he never owned,
Or which he never agreed to pay,
Is all submitted for the court to say.

" And as to the fourth and last charge in plaintiff's account or petition specified, this defendant for answer says: That he never employed said plaintiff to either defend or prosecute a suit for this defendant; that the last time he did employ him, he managed it so badly that he was not entitled to any fees, and that this defendant has paid him all his services were worth:

"And to charge this party with that load,
Is not according to the "Code ";
And the only way to end it,
Is to render judgment for defendant.

" J. E. JEWETT,
"Attorney for Davis."
Mr. Brownlee made answer to the petition, to-wit:

"Wm. D. CORKERAM | Des Moines Township, Polk county, Iowa, February
                                  Vs |23, 1853.
"REUBEN DAVIS and |
"WYATT BROWNLEE. |

" Now, as you see,
Comes the defendant, Brownlee,
And on his own hook defends,
Because he seriously contends
That he is not indebted,
As by said Corkeram stated.

741a

" Persons having adverse interests to plaintiff,
May, as defendants, be joined,' says the Code;
And to join those having unity
Of interest, is the true mode.
But Brownlee doth most seriously declare,
That he never joined with Davis in any affair,
And why he is joined in the suit now pending,
Is far beyond his comprehending.

742 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

" Plaintiff's bill charges the defendant sixteen dollars,
As cash paid by him for a cow,
Which (as we gather from what follows)
He bought at a constable's sale, somehow-
When she was offered as the property of the poor man Oakes,
And being his only cow the sale turned out a hoax.

"That Corkeram, in good faith to the constable
His money paid, isn't denied;
Nor that the money was to the payment
Of Davis' judgment applied.

But what of that? This defendant was but a witness,
No party to the suit-
Though he fed, for a 'short time,
The old, dumb brute.
But neither this,
Nor the receipt of his fees,
Could make him jointly liable
With Davis, if the court please,
Nor is he liable to Corkeram,
In any event:
He therefore prays for costs

And for judgment.
"WYATT BROWNLEE.
"By his Attorney,
" C. BATES."

Judgment was rendered for the defendants. Oakes kept his cow; Davis kept the money which Corkeram paid for the cow at the sale; Corkeram lost the money he gave for the cow, lost the cow, lost the four dollars pasturage, and lost the sixteen dollars expenses for lawsuits. It was always a mystery to him how a man could thus pay another man's debts and not get any equivalent. He never could understand it.
August 9, 1850, the Gazette notices the great improvements made in the town. On Second street-the "Chestnut street" of the burg -a new sidewalk had been laid by Lyon & Allen, the finest laid in Des Moines; .a new building was going up on the corner of Vine and Second, which was the advance point of business at that time.
Personal journalism was very much the same in early days as now. In the Journal of March 21, 1851, Judge Williamson, the editor, says to the Star: "We never entertained, for a moment, the idea of chastising `Granny' Bates, much less his blooming nosed sub-editor."
Sportsmen are reminded that elk hunters, on the 18th of June, 1850, went up 'Coon river for elk calves, and the Gazette says they returned with five calves. They captured four more, but they

742a

died. They found deer and elk plenty, but no buffalo.
In November, 1858, A. Garver, Francis M. Beck, Joseph Fagan and Jacob Byers were paid $1.50 each for wildcat scalps.
January 28, 1869, Wesley Redhead brought the first velocipede to Des Moines.
The first car-load of wheat was shipped from Des Moines to Chicago by Warren & Graham, September 4, 1867.
The first Irishman who set his foot in Des Moines, was Michael McTighe, and he is still a resident, jovial and jolly.
The first white child born in the county, and in the territory which is now a part of the city, was that of J. M. Thrift, who was the first tailor in the town.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 743

The United States Land Office was located at Des Moines, January 28, 1853, George S. Nightingale, Register, and Eliphalet Price, Receiver. The land sales in those days were enormous. The receipts frequently amounting to $25,000 in gold. There was some trouble with claim agents at first, but the united and firm action of the Settler's Claim Association, put a quietus on them very soon. One of them, named Bates, came, and with much pomposity stood about the tavern, declaring he had money, and so far as it went, he would buy claims. He would let the people know he could not be scared from buying claims allowed by law. When the sale began on Court Avenue, in front of the present City Auditor's office, Bates made a bid on a settler's claim in Walnut township. Instantly he was surrounded by a group of determined men, a couple of old rails were placed perpendicularly before him, flanked by several old shot-guns. He was invited to take a walk down to the river, which he reluctantly accepted, after taking a survey of the gentlemen who invited him. He was placed on a seat, where he was kept under guard the whole day. At night he made a pledge that he would not further interfere with settler's claims, and he was released. There was, thenceforward, no further molestation of settlers by speculators or claim jumpers.
It may interest the ladies to know that the first sewing society was organized in Des Moines in January, 1850. Its object was to raise money for church purposes. Several ladies who were present at that meeting, are now living in the city, and often revert to the joyous meeting had in those early times.
The first gunsmith in Des Moines, was A. E. Gray, who was employed at the garrison. He says that Joseph Smart, was employed as an interpreter by the Indian agent, Major Beach, whenever a pow-wow was held, and who also was a trader with the Indians. He took a Fox squaw for a wife, by whom he had two daughters. He made money and went to Missouri, were he purchased two slave women, whom he brought to the Forks. When he got through with them, he took them South and sold them. It has been the boast of the people of Iowa, that her soil was never cursed with the presence of human slavery, but this incident will debar the State from the proud distinction, as will also be further seen by the first case in Morris' Iowa Reports, where a slave named Ralph was permitted by his master, Montgomery, to come from Missouri to Dubuque, in 1834, where he was to work and earn money to buy his freedom. He failed to pay the money, when Montgomery attempted to return him to Missouri Ralph was brought before Judge Mason, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who set him at liberty, on the ground that his master, having assented to his coming to a free State, be could not afterward exercise any ownership in him. This was the first case decided by the Supreme Court of Iowa, as it was the first case involving the doctrines embraced in the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
In 1848 blackberries were gathered where the Capital City Hotel now stands, and wild duck were shot in a slough where the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad depot now is.
The early settlers were considerably troubled Sabbath morning about getting to church on time. Lamp. Sherman, in his usually practical, manner, in Gazette of August 29, 1850, says: " Why not ring some of the bells for meeting time? All have not clocks, and nobody knows when to go. -One does not like to go and wait for the preacher, or go half an hour late

744 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

and lose the sermon. Why not ring the tavern bell?" As then, the town was governed by dual time-the sun and a few clocks.. So at the present time a double system prevails, one portion of the people being governed by railroad time, the other by mean time, or twenty minutes behind the other.
The first nine-pin alley in Des Moines, was located where White's mill now is, and was a very popular place of resort. It was erected by Nathaniel Campbell.
The first drayman in town was Michael Kennedy, who started in 1858.
The first steam-power used for printing was introduced by John Teesdale.
The first steam-power used in a mill, was by C. C. Van, in the old mill, the ruins of which may be seen a short distance south of 'Coon bridge.
The first stove store was opened by A. F. Dicks, in 1849.
The early history of bridges has been briefly referred to on page 434. The record properly belongs to Des Moines. The first bridge across Des Moines river, at Court Avenue, was erected by U. B. White, as engineer, in the winter of 1857-8, of wood. It was re-built in 1866 by White & Turner, and in the spring of 1869 was carried away by a freshet. In 1870 the present iron bridge was erected by !he city. In 1866 the first brigde was erected over Des Moines river at Walnut street, by Judge T. H. Napier. It was of the Howe truss pattern, and was formally opened to the public October 23. Col. S. F. Spofford was the first person who crossed it with a horse and buggy, and Mr. Spofford has the first money received for toll now in his possession. The same year the east truss was broken down by a drove of horses. It was temporarily repaired. In November, 1867,
it was made a free bridge, and Col. Spofford secured the last toll taken, which was in the United States fractional currency of that time. In 1871 it was superseded by the resent iron bridge, by the city, and made a toll bridge. In 1862 White & Turner erected the first bridge over the 'Coon
river, at the junction of West Front street. In February, 1865, it was carried away by high water, and re-built in July of that year, by Dr. Turner, with the aid of subscriptions by people living in Bloomfield township, on condition it was to be a free bridge. In 1868, Dr. Turner conveyed it
by deed to the city, in trust for the public, to be forever a free bridge. When the other bridges came into the control of the city and became toll bridges, in 1871., it was discovered that 'Coon bridge could not be tolled. To evade the public right, the city, very gravely decided the bridge was unsafe for public travel, condemned it and ordered it removed; whereupon a posse of people from Bloomfield swooped down on the city employees drove them off and relaid the flooring. The mayor, Tuttle, went down and read the riot act to them and for a day or two there was good prospect for an internecine war of considerable proportions, but wise counsel prevailed and bloodshed was averted. The old bridge was taken down, a new one erected, and is the only wooden bridge owned by the city. In 1871 the city granted to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company the right to construct a bridge across 'Coon river at Seventh street, with a
wagon track thereon, and a combination wooden truss was erected. In 1868 the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company erected a wooden truss bridge across Des Moines river at Vine street, which the present year was superseded by a massive double-track iron bridge. In
1868 the Des Moines Valley Railroad Company erected a wooden truss

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 745

bridge across Des Moines river at Market street, which, in 1878, was superseded by an iron bridge. In the spring of the present year, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company erected an iron bridge across the Des Moines river, to connect with their depot grounds, at Elm street. Few cities of the West have so many and valuable bridges as Des Moines. They have cost nearly $300,000, and have imposed a heavy burden of debt upon the city.
The first power printing press set up in Des Moines was by T. H. Sypherd, in 1856, and the Citizen was printed on it. It was known as the Guernsey patent, which had an extensive sale for a few years, but was proven too frail to be driven by steam, and had to give way to the demands of a fast age and more durable machinery.
Of the old barrack buildings there are but two now in existence. One is standing in the rear of the old Demoine House barn, on Front street, and is occupied by Thomas French, or "Uncle" French, as he is familiarly called. The other stands near the Keokuk & Des Moines railroad track, on Second street. Both are enclosed with weatherboarding. During the present summer there was torn down, between Market and Elm streets, near Fifth, one of the old landmarks of the earliest settlement. It was a house erected of hewn logs, by Thomas Mitchell, in 1847. Three stalwart poplar trees stood near it. The C., B. & Q. Railroad Company required the ground for depot purposes, and the old relic had to go down before the march of the iron horse. Thus one by one are passing away the links which bind the past to the present. Soon they will exist only in memory.
The first piano to vibrate in the air of the classic " Forks" was brought by Capt. F. K West, when he came with his family. It was an antiquated affair.
The first ice dealer in the town was Ed. Clapp, who erected an ice-house above the dam, which is now occupied by A. Grefe & Sons.
There is a difference of opinion among the old settlers as to who built the first frame dwelling in the town. It is stated by some that Addison Michael erected the first, near and east of where now stands the building formerly occupied by the Skinner Plow Works, on Elm street, while
W. Jones says it was what is now a part of the Monitor House, on Third street.
The first brick building erected was the old court-house, on Cherry street, where Central Block now stands. The second was erected by Dr. James Campbell, in the fall of 1855, and is still standing, near 'Coon river bridge.
The first brick dwelling-house was erected by L. D. Winchester, on they West Side of Des Moines river, in 1850. It was on the corner where the. Valley Bank now is, and was torn down in 1879. In that house W. W. Moore was married.
The first brick dwelling on the East Side was erected by Dr. T. K. Brooks, in 1851.
The first case tried in a justice's court in the township was before Addison Michael. The United States was plaintiff and Campbell Rieves defendant. It was an action to recover stolen property. The Sheriff made return that neither the goods nor the thief could be found. Rieves was a wide-awake man, of fine personal appearance, but considered as having very loose no-

746 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

tions of the rights of personal property. He was strongly suspected of having personal knowledge of the mysterious and frequent disappearance of horses in this section. One day a company of one hundred horsemen with a wagon filed into town from the south, much to the consternation of the settlers. They proceeded quietly to Rieves' house, in the west part of town, which they surrounded, and invited Rieves to come out. He appeared, when he was requested to take a seat in the wagon, which he promptly did, and was accompanied by several men, when the cavalcade left the town as they came, went to the west part of the State, where they released Rieves, told him to point his face to the west and stop not until he had crossed Missouri river, and never make his appearance in Iowa again. He went and subsequently turned up in Omaha, where he was elected sheriff, and made an efficient officer and a good citizen. Esquire Michael's record is now in possession of Judge Napier.
The first citizens' store was opened by B. T. Hoxie, in 1846, on the East Side, near where the woolen mill now is.
The first blacksmith in town was William Deford, whose shop was not far from Aulmann's Brewery.
The first legalized traffic in intoxicating liquors was ordered by the County Commissioners August 29,1855. There was considerable difficulty in finding a suitable place in which to keep the "critter." "Hod" Bush owned the only safe quarters, and Judge Napier made an order that "Hod" be allowed $325 for his building; the spiritus frumenti was duly deposited therein, and "Hod" was appointed the agent to dispense it under lawful restrictions. An inspection of Hod's books shows a vast amount of sickness in those days, requiring an uncommon amount of stimulants.
The first photographer was G. L. Reynolds, who opened a gallery in 1856.
The first drug store was kept by Dr. F. C. Grimmell, who left Perry county, Ohio, with a one-horse buggy, one-horse wagon, two-horse wagon, three-horse wagon and four-horse wagon, loaded with his family, consisting -of himself, wife, five children, household goods, and stock of drugs. They arrived at Des Moines October 15, 1846. No houses were to be had, and the old garrison guard-house was secured, consisting of two rooms about fourteen feet square, with small iron barred windows. Two sides of one room was fitted up for the storage of the drugs. In the remainder of the building were packed the family and goods. To make it comfortable during the winter, wagon sheets were tacked to the walls. In the spring of 1847 the doctor made a claim of eighty acres lying north from Sycamore to School street, west to Eighth street, and east to the alley between Fifth and Fourth streets. The old guard-house stood at the present junction of
Vine and Third streets, and fronted to the south. The claim which he bought was covered with oak grubs and hazel brush so as to be almost impossible for a man to pass through them. In the spring of 1847 he erected a cabin of hewn logs in the rear of what is now the residence of Mrs. Grimmell, on Sixth street. He also purchased the old garrison warehouse, which stood where John Scott's residence now is, on the East Side, which was built entirely of black walnut. This he took down and moved to the lot where the Sisters of Charity now live, and rebuilt it for a stable. He immediately began the erection of a frame house in front of his log cabin. This was a regular mill frame, in down-East style, and so firmly built that the carpenters declared it could be rolled all over the town without coming

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 747

apart. An incident occurred during the erection of the frame which was somewhat singular. The top plate of the frame was of sycamore, the corner posts were of oak. During the night of July 4 lightning struck the upper corner and passed down the oak post, siverhing it to fragments, even the tenon, without marring the mortise in the sycamore plate through which the oak tenon passed. Augusta Grimmell and Melissa Hoxie were sleeping in the cabin, but were not even awakened by the crash. The frame was completed by slow degrees, owing to the scarcity of help. In the meantime the family lived in the cabin and the stable, but in the winter the family occupied the frame building, which was not plastered, owing to the scarcity of lime, and none was secured until the fall of 1848, when one coat of plaster was put on by Sammy Gray. In June, 1848, P. M. Casady and Augusta Grimmell were married in the new frame house, Dr. Wm. Fagan and Melissa Hoxie acting as groomsman and bridesmaid, which event resulted in their marriage. Dr. Fagan and Mr. Casady were warm personal friends, who roomed, ate and slept together, and at the time of the wedding were opposing candidates for the State Senate. Mr. Casady won the race. In this house Charles Kahler was also married. The house is now occupied by Mrs. Grimmell, who was made a widow by the death of the doctor in February, 1862. This was the second frame dwelling house erected in the town. The lumber used in it was sawed at Parmelee's mill, on Middle river. In 1847 the doctor fitted up a room in the reconstructed warehouse for a drug store, which he occupied until the summer of 1852, when he built a store on the corner of Sycamore and Sixth streets. This building was subsequently removed to Mulberry street, and is that in which Rev. Ezra Rathbun lived and died. George Sneer, then a boy of eight years, says one of the most impressive events of the doctor's coming was when, in the winter of 1846, Dr. Brooks brought to the guard-house a whole quarter of beef. What to do with it was the problem. In the two small rooms were a family of seven persons and a drug store. The beef was finally hung up outside, and cut from as wanted.
The first meat-market was started by "Uncle" David Norris, who came here from Ohio, in 1845. He opened a butcher-shop in the warehouse of B. F. Allen, corner of Second and Vine. In 1848 he built a butcher-shop on the corner of Second and Walnut. It was customary then to have meat on sale Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and it required a whole week to dispose of one animal.
John Hays thinks he antedates " Uncle " David, with a butcher-shop. He had a shop in a log cabin on 'Coon Point, south of the Campbell brick building, in 1848. He had a partner named Johnson, whom he sent to 'Delphi one day, with the money to buy a cow. Johnson returned without the cow, and told Hays he could not get her home. John made inquiry, and learned that Johnson had bet and lost on a "hoss trot," and that busted the firm and closed the shop.
Where Moore's Opera House stands were several Indian mounds, which were about five feet above the surface of the soil. On the summit of one of these mounds Joseph Davis erected a house in which he lived. Another mound was where the court-house stands. There were fifteen of them on the plateau. Some of them were excavated and bones of human beings and other articles of antiquity were found. By whom they were erected is unknown. The oldest Indians found them here when they came and they had no legends concerning them. They were probably built by an ancient,

748 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

half-civilized race, who long ago passed away. A. D. Jones claims they are the ruins of Indian homes.
East of the court-house was a cleared plateau where the Indians were wont to congregate for their war-dances and games. Of the latter, pony racing was a favorite. The starting point was where the Fifth Street Methodist church stands, thence they rode to the bluff near the water-works.
The first wedding was that of Benjamin Bryant to Barbara Elvira Birge, June 10, 1846, by Addison Michael. The Esquire was a novice in the marrying business, and got A. D. Jones to write out the ceremony in full for him. The wedding was held at the house of Perry L. Crossman. The Esquire stammered through the form, but omitted to pronounce them husband and wife, when Jones, who was in the rear of the room, roared out: "By the authority in me vested, I pronounce you man and wife." The Esquire took the cue and finished the job. Subsequently, at an evening gathering, Mr. Jones gave the Esquire a course of practical lessons in marrying, by calling up couple after couple, until the whole company were competent to marry anybody.
Billy Moore says the first Sunday after he arrived at Des Moines there was a horse race in town. Stores were opened and he displayed the goods outside the doors of Lyon & Allen's store the same as any other day. He bought the block where his Opera House stands, which extended on Walnut, from Fourth down to the alley at Grefe's store, in 1852, for six hundred dollars. He has sold lots from it to the amount of $15,000 and has the Opera House left.
The Savery House block was once sold to Granville' Holland for an old horse and buggy.
The whole block on Walnut, from Webster's marble works to McCain's block, was put up on an election bet against seventy-five dollars and won by James Sherman, a brother of Hoyt Sherman.
The McCain block was several times offered by Mr. McCain to Esquire Absolom Morris for a silver watch, and McCain was quite offended because the Esquire wouldn't trade, and advised him to keep the lot.
An incident is related by an eye-witness of J. W. Jones, once State Treasurer, who lived in Oskaloosa. He joined the Methodist Church there. Elder Campbell was the preacher, who also preached at Des Moines once a week. Jones came to Des Moines to visit his " girl." There was a dance one night at the hotel and Jones was there. Elder Campbell, who was a guest at the house, seeing Jones industriously enjoying the dance, went to him and, laying his hand on his arm, said: "This don't look well for a member of the church." "Oh," said Jones, "I joined the church for Mahaska county. I didn't join for the whole State of Iowa."
Billy Moore, in 1849, bought the lot where Mills & Co's block is, for a coat and pair of boots.
An election incident is related by three of the living parties to the transaction which is of interest. P. M. Casady was elected judge of this district in 1854, but soon after resigned and recommended to Governor Hempstead Dan. O. Finch as his successor. But the Governor appointed C. McFarland, ostensibly on the ground that McFarland received the next highest vote in the convention which nominated Casady, but Finch's friends always claimed it was on personal grounds, and because McFarland could do him more service in his subsequent race for Congress. At the next convention McFarland and Judge Curtis Bates were candidates. The contest

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 749

was very close and every possible vote was needed. There was a fellow in the convention who claimed a vote to represent the county of King, up in the region where Sac county now is, although it existed only in expectation. Mc's friends voted him a seat in the convention and be voted for Mc, giving him one majority and the nomination. Judge W. W. Williamson ran as an independent candidate against McFarland. During the canvass both strayed off into Butler county, but as a bill was before the Legislature to attach Butler county to another district, with positive assurance it would pass, the candidates abandoned that county. When the votes were counted Williamson was declared elected and received his certificate. Soon after it was discovered there was an error of about forty votes made in footing up the returns from Marion county, which had been counted for Williamson. McFarland's friends contested the election. During the contest about forty votes were returned from Butler county for McFarland, although the poll-books did not give the "name of a voter, judge of election nor any affidavit to the returns made. The Butler county bill had failed to pass the Legislature and the votes were counted for McFarland, which gave him a majority of about thirty votes, which, had they been rejected, would have elected Williamson by three or four majority.
Among the historic characters that have formed apart of the history of Des Moines few have been more conspicuous than Madison Young, who arrived December 14, 1849. He had been admitted to the courts of New York, and soon after his arrival was appointed special prosecutor in the counties of Dallas, Warren, Madison, Jasper, Boone and Marshall. He was elected justice of the peace and performed the duties of the office with great satisfaction to all the people . While in office he invested all his money in real estate. Judge. Casady gives the following tribute to his character:
"He took an active part in public improvements and especially the public schools, being one of the first school board when the first lot was purchased for a school-house site. He gave liberally to the funds for erecting the college building, now the Des Moines University, and when the funds were all expended, he, with Rev. Thompson Bird, Dr. Grimmel and others, became individually liable for a large amount, agreeing to pay thirty per cent per annum for the use of it, with which to continue the enterprise. In 1856 he purchased ten acres north of the city for the purpose of growing fruit. While waiting for his trees and vines to grow he went to Europe, attended University lectures' at Heidelburg, Germany; visited the noted grape-growing regions of the Rhine to perfect his knowledge of grape raising and wine making. He remained abroad two years and returned to his ten acres, where he erected a shanty in which he lived alone during the summer while he cultivated his trees. In winter he lived in a grout house south of 'Coon, which he erected as the result of experiments made by him, Rev. Dr. Peet and Henry Scribner to find a substitute for brick. After several years' hard toil be returned to Europe, spending most of his time in Switzerland, the Franco -Prussian war preventing extensive travel. Just before he started for home be visited southern France, where he was arrested as a German spy, but soon satisfied the authorities he was an American. He soon after came home and resumed his labors on his ten acres, which had now become quite valuable. His health began to fail and the sold his residence very reluctantly to Conrad Youngerman, the builder. He went to Colorado to regain his health, but returned not improved. Be-

750 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

fore he went he executed his will, bequeathing his wealth, estimated at about $35,000, to his brothers, sisters and the children. of deceased brothers and sisters, except $1,000, which he gave his alma mater, Union College, New York, and one lot of land in South Des Moines, which he gave a colored man named Murray. His health did not improve and he was advised to go to Cincinnati Hospital, which he did, accompanied by Taylor Pierce, in the latter part of September, and there he remained until his death, October 21, 1873. Before his death he requested that his remains be buried in the home of his adoption among his old friends, which request was obeyed. The funeral obsequies were of imposing character and were attended by the Old Settlers' Association, Masonic, Odd Fellows and Turner's associations and citizens. He was somewhat eccentric and singular, but honest and upright. He was a man of good heart and motives. He was the first person initiated by Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, A. F. and A. M., in Des Moines. He was one of the first vestrymen of St. Paul's parish, and died a member of that church. He acquired his education by his own hard labor; his wealth by frugality and industry. When he entered college at twenty-three he was the eldest of the class. He paid his way through college by manual labor, much of which was on the college grounds."
Another prominent personage at one time, now probably forgotten, was a lawyer, John M. Perry. From Judge Casady are gathered the following incidents: He came to the Fort in the spring of 1848. He at once started in business with good prospects of success. He was in seedy condition, with out money and clothes. He spent all the money he could get for villainous whisky. In November, of that year, he signified to Judge Casady his intention to be a candidate for Secretary of the Senate. The Judge, who had just been elected Senator, did not like the idea of such a specimen of humanity presenting himself from his own town for an office in the Senate, but he satisfied himself with the thought he could not get money enough to pay his fare there. But when the Judge took the hack, Perry was there, six feet three inches high, dark complexion, coal black eyes, one leg and a crutch, dirty shirt, ragged coat and old slouched hat, determined to go, and he went. On the way he amused the crowd with quotations from Shakespeare, Byron and Burns, pages of whom he could repeat, telling stories, etc. Arriving at Iowa City . Saunders, who kept Old Swan House, would not let him come to the "first table " and at night compelled him to sleep
on some old rags in an old out-of-the-way closet. Seeing his persistence, Judge Casady decided, with a few of his friends, to fix him up. They bought him some clothes on credit, as they had no surplus money and would get none until the close of the session. He then made a pledge to
Judge Casady and friends he would drink no more whisky. He received the eleven Democratic votes of the Senate and was elected Secretary, but subsequently the choice was reversed and he was made Assistant Secretary. He served through the session, paid for his board and clothes, came back to Des Moines, practiced law, married, and became a member of the Methodist Church. He formed a partnership with Judge Curtis Bates and bid fair to win great success. In 1852 Lewis Todhunter filed charges against 'him that he had used disrespectful language to the court; that he had disobeyed an order of the court; that he had prevaricated as an attorney and
became a voluntary witness for a client, wherein he made false statements. Judgment was rendered against him. The case was taken to the Supreme

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 751

Court and there reversed. But so soon as the decision of the lower court was rendered, Perry immediately became intoxicated, abandoned all self-respect and returned to his old habits. He disposed of his property and started for California. His wife was persuaded to abandon him. He went to some town in California and soon after was found one morning dead in an alley, and he was buried by strangers as an outcast.
From a letter of A. D. Jones, who surveyed the original town of Fort Des Moines, written to the Secretary of the Old Settler's Association, August 17, 1868, the following extracts are made:
"I arrived at old Father Meacham's, on the east side of the river, Des Moines, February 13th, 1846. Mr. Meacham at that time kept a tavern, and I think had some connection with a small store at the Point. There I met Maj. McKay, February 23d. He was really much of a gentleman, always affable, and congenial. He was the first licensed attorney in the place, and it became my lot, as a common pettifogger, to meet him occasionally before the High Court of Justice of the Peace. In the first case he was in the right of it, but I succeeded in throwing his client into the costs, and obtained the release of my own employer. A gentleman who had watched the progress of the case until its termination, came and tapped me on the shoulder, and said: "See here, Mister, I have been waiting here to ascertain who would be the successful lawyer in this case; I, therefore, want you to come with me, as I have three cases for you.' I went, and succeeded in gaining my point of releasing the prisoners. These were my first cases before a justice of the peace."
"On the 14th of February, being the next day after I entered the county, I went over to the garrison; attended a political mass meeting, in which I was called upon to act as secretary; and by which I was also nominated as county surveyor.
"The question which then divided the people of the county was, Brooklyn v. Des Moines for the County Seat. The Brooklyn party nominated a gentleman by the name of Woodward, for County Surveyor, who beat me at the polls several votes. I contested the election, beat him, and received my certificate, and was sworn regularly into office."
"Another prominent old settler, by the name of Thomas McMullin, who afterward married the daughter of Dr. F. C. Grimmel, was also at Mr. Meacham's when I came to the county."
"The first line I ever ran for pay was east of the river, between Messrs. Hart and Meacham, February 21. In that region of country, along the Des Moines river, it was formerly quite brushy in places. I was employed to run chain lines occasionally were it was difficult to see the rod-man, and in many instances I would require the rod-man to halloo, and I would go for the sound."
"March 1st the first marriage was solemnized between John Beard and Nancy Jane Welman, by Rev. Mr. Post. The license was procured from Marion county."
"During the stay of the dragoons at the Fort I witnessed a very unpleasant scene, March 6, 1846. Two of the soldiers became intoxicated, and in consequence were put in the guard-house. One was gagged and his hands tied behind him. The other one, after being kicked and cuffed across the toe-path repeatedly, had his hands tied behind him, and then tied to the ceiling just so that he could touch the floor, and the other fared the same fate before he was released. The infantry had left the Fort be-

752 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

fore I came, and a portion of the dragoons left with a lot of Indians, March 8. Capt. Grier, I believe, was in command. Mr. Drake, and afterward, Mr. Hart, had liquor to sell; but Wall Clapp was the first regular grocery man in the county, and occupied the old trading post of Mr. Whistler, at the junction of the Des Moines and 'Coon rivers. It was a log house, extending in the direction of the Des Moines river. Mr. Ayers, in "Coon Row,' and Mr. Thrift, in the country, were the first tailors, and were residents when I came, both having been connected with the army for some time."
"On the plateau, or second bench, were several mounds, which I hold, and think I can prove, were the fallen residences of Indians-not graves."
"J. B. Scott commenced running the first ferry May 1, and Dr. Kirkbride come into the Fort May 25. The county seat was located at Fort Des Moines by M. T. Williams, of Mahaska, and Giles M. Pinneo, from Scott county, after riding over the county eight days. Log guns were fired, bonfires made, and the festivities of the occasion terminated at Tom Baker's by the Polk county band, which consisted of two fiddles, very unscientifically manipulated."
"June 4, 1846, I commenced the survey of the town of Fort Des Moines. Martin Tucker started the first hotel. The first preacher of Polk county was Ezra Rathbun, Methodist, and about the smartest preacher we ever had in the county. Besides that, he was a gentleman; and, not to disparage others of his profession, he was every way their superior."
"June 10, the first marriage license in the county was issued to Benj. Bryant and Barbara Elvira Birge."
"We celebrated the fourth of July, 1846, with Tom Baker, orator; Mayor McKay, reader of Declaration of Independence; Messrs. Winchester, Frazee, and Scott, marshals, and myself acting as president of the day. Toasts were read and cheered. About two hundred people were in
attendance. The day was very warm. Dinner, one dollar per couple. A dance was held at night-and take the day through, it was a pleasant and jolly gathering."
"The lawyers in town July 23, 1846, were: T. Baker, W. D. Frazee, P. M. Casady, L. D. Winchester, and Wm. McKay.
" Physicians: Dr. Fagan, a graduate of St. Louis, and Dr. Kirkbride."
" One store assessed at $1,500, kept by B. T. Hoxie; one dry goods and grocery store, by A. Michael; a grocery and provision store, by W. W. Clapp; a grocery (saloon) and place of amusement, by J. A. Campbell; a tavern, by M. Tucker; an apothecary shop, by L. D. Winchester; a turner and chair factory, Mr. Vannatta; a wagon-maker and carpenter, D. Solenberger; mill-wright, John Ehle; and Mr. W. F. Ayers, a tailor. A. Michael, justice of the peace, and Jesse R. Miller, constable. Methodist church with two ministers, E. Rathbun and his father; and a Baptist church.
"July 23, I made it my business to take the census. There were eleven young ladies, and thirteen young gentlemen, who were proper subjects for matrimony. I regret that I did not record their names, although I might now name some off them by guess.
"A very perceptible difference was formerly noticed in reference to the waters of the Des Moines and 'Coon rivers, the former being much the warmer at the same hour."
" At the August election I must have been very popular, for I was elected constable by the Whigs, and justice of the peace by the Democrats,

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 753

and took my certificates from both. It was through spite that the Whigs ran me for constable."
"It may not be uninteresting to the Association to learn who inhabited that wild region, August 18th, 1846. I will, therefore, present you with the principal names of the citizens of your city at that date: Ezra Rathbun, father, two young ladies, and two young men; D. Solenberger and wife; W. W. Clapp and wife; J. Campbell, wife and two or three children; Mr. Thorp and several children; Mr. Morris, wife and children; Sam Vannatta, wife and children; B. T. Hoxie, wife and children; Martin Tucker, wife and several children; Col. T. Baker, wife and several children; Mr. Caves, wife and two children; Wm. Ward and wife; Perry Wear and wife; William F. Ayers, wife and children; A. Michael, wife and child; Col. John Rose, wife and children; Mr. Crews and wife; P. L. Crossman, wife and child; John Ehle, wife and child; Mr. Buzick, wife and children. Among the young folks, I find the following names: Miss Mary Thorp, a marriageable young lady, with a sister just beginning to look upon the bright side of matrimony; Miss Melissa Hoxie was also in the line of marriageable promotion; also, Miss Letitia Tucker and Miss Kirkbride. An old maid by the name of Jemima Scott, and several others whose names I have forgotten. The young gentlemen about town were: George A. Michael, Dr. Kirkbride, Thomas McMullin, P. M. Casady, L. McHenry, Lewis Whitten, Maj. McKay, Jonathan Rathbun .and Ezra Rathbun."
The old settlers will doubtless remember the old wool carding machine on Four Mile, and they have probably a recollection of a big hand-bill which was posted at the cross-roads, on barns and in the taverns and stores at the Fort, which read thus:

"E. SMITH'S
STEAM WOOL CARDING MACHINE
ON FOUR MILE CREEK.

THE Subscriber has purchased a Portable Steam Engine, for which he is running the Same, and is prepared to

DISPATCH HIS PATRONS AT THE SHORTEST NOTICE
AT THE RATE OF 20 LBS. PER HOUR,
FOR WHICH
HE IS DOING THE BEST WORK IN THE COUNTY.
He refers. you to those whom he is and has Carded for.

TAKE NOTICE, TO BE CAREFULL before you wash your wool, to take all of the cockle burrs, Sticks, Straws, Barks, &c., then wash clean, roll the fleece up, send to his Steam Carding Machine on Four Mile Creek,
ONE POUND OF GREECE TO SEVEN POUNDS
OF WOOL,
will be all that will be necessary."

754 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

A man who could dispatch his customers at the rate of twenty pounds per hour should be immortalized in history.
Mention has been made in these pages of W. H. Meacham. He furnished, during his life, several instances of the most remarkable physiological facts on record. He was subject to constipation, and frequently for weeks had no passage of excreta; once the period was prolonged ninety days. When the difficulty was removed he would rise from his bed in apparent perfect health.
Some of the lawyers of the city may recognize the following case which came before a well-known justice of the peace several years ago. As the parties are nearly all living, names are not given. The action was to establish the ownership to a certain steer. The Esquire's docket says: "I turned to the plaintiff's wife and asked her if the steer in question had any white on its tail, and she answered no; whereupon, the steer in question was produced, and being examined, it was found there were white hairs in the end of its tail; judgment was, therefore, rendered for defendant, and two dollars and twenty-five cents costs, and the steer delivered to defendant." This is probably the only instance where an animal was made to establish its own identity.
In the winter of 1848 Mr. J. C. Jordan says he walked nearly every day from his claim in Walnut, to build a rail fence around a corn-field, which was where the corner of High and Sycamore streets now are. That winter was very severe, and settlers suffered greatly. There are a few of the party of women now living, who, in 1855, got lost one day in the thicket east of the present State-house, and wandered about until late at night before they were discovered by anxious friends.
The early members of the Fifth Street Methodist Church, will remember that the church was but partially completed when the conference met there in September, 1857; Bishop Ames, presided. He was a large, portly man, who had a habit like that of Judge Miller, of the United States Supreme Court, of sitting with his eyes nearly closed, while proceedings were going on. A candidate for license to preach was one day rejected. When the announcement was made, the unsuccessful one, with a contemptuous voice remarked: "I hope the Fathers in Israel will remember their own examination." The Bishop, opened his eyes wide, yet with great calmness, replied: " Brother, we have no evidence as yet, that they have forgotten them." Another candidate received strong opposition because he was from the South and a pro-slavery man, but he was carried through, and granted a license "to preach against sin." As he preached that slavery was a divine institution, it did not interfere with his license.
The Gazette of June 14 gives the following price of provisions:

DES MOINES, June 14, 1850.

754a

The flour was brought from Illinois and butter from Vermont.

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 755

The Gazette of March 22, 1850, contains the following:
INFORMATION WANTED-Of the whereabouts of the editor of the Star [Barlow
Granger]. When last seen he was on a grey gelding, plying whip and spur, heading toward the
ferry. It was rumored on the day he left that there was a case of small-pox in town, and some
ill-natured people assign that as the cause of his departure.
The first golden wedding of an old settler was that of Uncle David and Catharine Norris,
September 24, 1880, on which occasion the Old Settlers' Association gave them a generous and
hearty housewarming. About three hundred guests were present and a luscious banquet was
spread. Of the old settlers there were present:
David Norris and family, 1845; R. L. Tidrick, 1849; L. P. Sherman and family, 1849;
James Stanton and family, 1848; Job Throckmorton and family, 1856; Judge M. D. McHenry and
family, 1856; A. F. Dicks and family, 1849; S. A. Robertson and family, 1857; A. Newton and
family, 1854; Col. Griffith and family, 1838; Gus. Smith and family, 1856; John C. Smith and
family, 1847; Philander Smith and family, 1847; J. H. Givin and family, 1848; Peter Ankeny and
family, 1850; W. W. Williamson and family, 1848; H. C. Hargis and family, 1853; A. Y. Rawson
and family, 1856; John Hays and family, 1846; Thomas Longnecker and family, 1847; C. H.
Rawson and family, 1856; L. H. Bush and family, 1848; Albert Bell and Mother Bell, 1856; C.
A. Mosier and family, 1847; Abe Brakebill and family, 1847; I. J. Herod and family, 1847; Giles
H. Turner and family, 1857; T. H. Napier and family, 1846; Wesley Redhead and family, 1844;
P. M. Casady and family, 1846; Albert W. Swalm, 1854, and wife, 1851; Mrs. W. W. Moore and
family, 1851; Joseph Davis and family, 1849; Thos. Hatton, Sr., 1858; Richard Holcombe and
family, 1846; Add Hepburn and family, 1855; George Whittaker and family, 1856; Mother
Grimmel, 1846; Mrs. Mary Barnes, 1849; Mrs. Spaulding, , 1846; Mrs. Kelly, 1855; Dr. James
Wright and family, 1853; Mrs. S. M. Barnard 1849; Mrs. Alex Bowers, 1849; David Manbeck
and family, 1853; John West and family, 1856; Barlow Granger and family, 1848; Mother
Githens, 1856; Isaiah Maple and family, 1854; Charles Stratton and family, 1856; J. A. Everett,
1848; Mrs. R. Sypher, 1849; Mrs. F. M. Hubbel, 1846; Mrs. W. H. Guinn, 1846; Mrs. D. V. Cole, 1849; Col. Dewey and family, 1855; Mrs. M. Henry, formerly Miss Tillie Elder, . 1854; Mrs. Dewey, now Atchison, Kan., 1856; Miss Waterbury, 1853; R. S. Hughes and family, 1854;
Richard Stanton, 1847; A. Newman and family, 1855; Martin Tuttle and family, 1848; Mrs.
George Maish and family; Samuel Gray and family, 1849; Mrs. George Randall, 1845; Mrs.
Nagle and family, 1845; M. L. Devin and family, 1859; John Coggeshall and daughter, 1859; J.
S. Carter and family, 1857.
The date following the names is the year of their arrival.
The oldest man present was Richard Stanton, aged 84, who was in robust health and
sprightly as a lad. The oldest women present were Mother Githens, aged 81, and Mother Bell,
aged 74.
W. W. Moore, Dr. W. H. Ward and Lamp. P. Sherman, celebrated their silver weddings at
the house of Mr. Moore, Dec. 25, 1876. Mr. Moore was married by Rev. J. A. Nash; Dr. Ward
was married by Rev. Sanford Haines; Mr. Sherman was married by Rev. Father Bird. Mr. Nash
was the one of the three clergymen present, the others being deceased. On

756 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY.

this occasion the old settlers presented the celebrants with a set of silverware each, Judge W. W. Williamson making the presentation to Mr. Sherman and wife; Judge William Phillips to Mr. Moore and wife; and Judge P. M. Casady to Dr. Ward and wife. Rev. Mr. Nash responded on behalf of the recipients for the splendid testimonials of esteem and good will of the old pioneers.
The first board of trade of Des Moines was organized September 13, 1880, with the following officers: President, J. H. Windsor; 1st vice-president, Thos. Hatton, Jr.; 2d vice-president, Samuel Merrill; treasurer, Simon Casady; directors, W. W. Witmer, H. C. Colver, E. J. Ingersoll, Thos. S. Wright, L. Mott.
Felix G. Clark, Register of the United States Land Office, has an old map of the Western States and Territories, printed in 1849, on which he, in 1853, traced several railroads from the East to the Missouri, according to his idea of the probable future construction of roads and his personal knowledge of the country. One was from St. Louis to Des Moines, and that line is almost identical with the C., B. & Q., to the south line of the State via. Indianola and Chariton. Another line was from Lyons west, across the State, and is almost identical with the present Chicago & Northwestern. When he drew his route on the map Stephen A. Douglas told him he had got it too far south, and should put it about where the Illinois Central now is. The incident shows the foresight and good judgment of Mr. Clark that was years before these roads were thought of.
The residents of a year ago, will recollect an old low one-story weather-beaten building in ruins, standing near the corner of West Twelfth and Walnut, on the south side of the street, at an angle to Walnut street. In the daily Register, of July, 1876, reference is made to it as follows:
"Years ago the old house-part log and part frame, at the southeast corner of Twelfth and Walnut streets was one of the fashionable mansions of Des Moines. It was built in 1848, by an early settler whose name we cannot recall. The next year it became the property of Mr. Keene, and then found its way into the hands of his brother, the husband of Mrs. Sypher. When that lady resided there, there was no other house in sight of it, although by taking a short walk to a stake and ridered fence, just east of it, the residence of Mrs. Grimmel on the hill, and one other house on what is now Third street, were visible. It was the headquarters for Des Moines society, and there, after the day's toils were ended, Judge Casady, Major Hoyt Sherman, D. O. Finch, and many of the gentlemen now known as Old Settlers, but then young men with the world before them, were wont to congregate and talk of "the girls they had left behind them," and enjoy the hospitality, never stinted, of Mr. and Mrs. Keene.
"At one time it was the residence of Dr. Fagan. Then Mr. D. O. Finch and wife made it a seat of pleasant hospitality. Just west of it, a portion of the flat being now used by Peter Lambert, for green-house purposes, was the play ground of the Indians, whose close proximity and boisterous sport, kept Ms. Keene in constant alarm.
"The old house has a history rich in items for a local's pencil, and some day they may be told, but the present purpose is only to record that the old land-mark is no more. It had become too old for service or beauty, and has been torn down and removed."

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 757

The Corning Gazette, B. T. Hoxie, editor, responded to the foregoing, in his paper as follows:
"The house was built by B. T. Hoxie, father of the editor of this paper, and it was in the year 1847, if we are not mistaken. The logs for the house were cut in the timber north of Fort Des Moines, and what was rare in those days, they were hewn. That was style on the frontier then. The winter of the deep snow,' as it was always referred to by the old settlers, Dr. P. B. Fagan was married to our eldest sister, the ceremonies taking place in that house. The storm was so severe that the guests were compelled to remain, some of them for several days. But who ever knew a pioneer's house to be too small to entertain any sized crowd? Among those present were Thomas Mitchell, who then lived in Apple Grove; T. K. Brooks, then of Agency Prairie, and many others whose names we cannot remember. C. C. Van was there; coming in an ox team, but pretending it was a carriage. Any of the old settlers of Polk county can tell other incidents of the wedding. Years afterward, a brother, M. B. Hoxie, was married and commenced housekeeping in the old homestead, living there some time.
"This house was the last one standing, to our knowledge, erected by our father, and we are sorry it has been torn away. It has been our custom, when visiting Des Moines, to take a look at the old house, in memory of the days of yore. Now it is gone. The time was, when it was the best house in all Polk county. Fort Des Moines was not the capital then, and did not contain a two million State-house, palace hotels, or palatial residences, as it now does; but it did contain, and does yet, as true and warmhearted a set of people as the sun ever shone on ere's to the memory of the old times, in the old homestead."
Both somewhat anticipated the final destruction of the old landmark, which did not occur until 1879. The old trees which lifted their heads above it still stand.
In the spring of 1851 was the memorable great freshet. The Des Moines and 'Coon rivers rose to an unprecedented height. For three weeks, it rained day and night. The Des Moines rose twenty-two and a half feet above low water mark. The Iowa Star of that date says:
"Neither the memory of the oldest inhabitants along the banks of the Des Moines river, nor the memory of the natives, who resided here before it was settled by the whites, nor any traditionary accounts from the Indians, furnishes any evidence of such a flood having occurred here in all past time. The 'Coon and the Des Moines are higher by several feet than they were in the spring of 1849, which was the greatest rise of water ever known here up to that time." To this H. B. Turrill adds:
"The damage done to the farms in the river bottoms was immense. Some were stripped utterly of their fences; fields under cultivation were washed into ruts by the violence of the water; all hope of a crop for one season being destroyed, not only by what was carried away, but by the debris which was left by the subsiding of the river. It was almost impossible to estimate the losses. Roads were rendered impassable-bridges swept away-the mails stopped, and traveling by land to any distance utterly vetoed. Houses were carried away, mills damaged, timber floated off, and all manner of mischief done by the flood.
Owing to the peculiar means which had been adopted to drain Fort Des

758 HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY

Moines, the water was led into the town instead out of it. The water was conveyed from the lower portions of the town up Second street, and finally through a rising ground into the Des Moines, just below the floating bride.
To prevent the town from being submerged entirely, the authorities were obliged to stop up this drain, and keep the water out! This kept the element in status quo. The river could not deluge the streets, which was well enough, but the streets could not discharge the torrents received from the hills, which was not well enough. However, no part of the then town was overflowed. East Des Moines was under water, to the second bank or terrace, and boats passed in all directions over the bottom. In all this destruction of property, it is gratifying to state only one life was lost. Three men, John and Conrad Youngerman, and L. D. Barnes, were engaged with a skiff, in quest of saw-logs, a short distance below the town, when, by an unavoidable accident, the boat was over-set, and Conrad Youngerman was torn away by the swift waters and drowned. He was a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and highly esteemed in the community. The rest of the party with difficulty escaped a like deplorable fate."
September 27, 1880, the pioneer women met at the residence of Mrs. R. W. Sypher and organized The Ladies' Pioneer Society, the object of which was to secure a closer union of the pioneer women of the county, and nearer social relations with those who suffered the want and privation of those early days-a closer union in illness, sympathy and encouragement in affliction, aid in distress, and visitation in sickness. The following officers were elected
President-Mrs. S. A. Robertson.
Vice President-Mrs. W. W. Williamson.,
Secretary-Mrs. Pauline Swalm.
Executive Committee-Mrs. P. Cassady, Mrs. Wm. Baker, Mrs. A. Newton, Mrs. D. V. Cole, Mother Bell, Mrs. M. L. Devin, Mrs. C. D. Reinking, Mrs. J. M. Griffiths, Mrs. J. A. Nash, Mrs. Judge Bailies.
Meetings to be held regularly, and a social gathering every three months, to consist of literary, social and musical exercises, and a supper, the latter to consist of bread and butter, meat, sauce, cake, tea, coffee, and pickles. A violation of the rule for the bill of fare to incur a penalty of five dollars, for the use of the society. The membership includes all ladies who lived here prior to 1857.
April 9, 1852, John Tyler, township clerk of Des Moines township, submitted his annual report to the trustees, for the year ending March 29, 1852, in which he says he had collected, by hard work and tight screwing, the sum of $52.47. The amount collected to date of report was $132.56, leaving a balance due the township of ninety-seven cents. He concludes his report as follows:
"In the above report I have endeavored to lay before your honorable body a concise statement of the financial department of the township. In transcribing the tax into the township record I may have omitted some. If, upon examination at any time, such may be the case, I hold myself in readiness to correct the same. And, gentlemen, since I have been breathing pure democratic air, the land of sin has left me, and I am free to act and speak the sentiments of one who has his country's good at heart."

HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY 759

POPULATION OF THE COUNTY.

Since the pages containing the population of Polk county were printed, the United States census enumeration has been made, which gives the following result by census districts. It will be seen in some cases two townships are consolidated, but the writer hereof has no means of separating them

1880

This shows an increase since 1870 of 24,608, much larger than that of any county in the State.

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